With each school year, I find myself learning more and more about what I must do to prepare for it. Each year is different, but there are simple ways to go about planning these years and being one step ahead. All it takes is a little bit of your time. You'll be thanking yourself once it's time to go back and you'll have barely anything to scramble for last minute.

Plan it out.

If your school provides you with an academic calendar of sorts, I recommend buying a planner in the beginning of August. Take about 20 minutes or so to just sit down with some colorful pens and plan out the year ahead. Write down important dates such as when breaks are or when your classes begin. As the school year progresses, the only dates you'll have to worry about are when exams and tests are or if you're part of an organization or a club, and so on.

Pack in categories.

If you chose to go away to school and live the dorm life, then packing is going to become your best friend. It may seem like a pain, but if you pack right, you'll be pleased when it comes time for move-in day. Packing in categories may seem kind of obvious, but it's very important. All of those dorm room checklists have categories for a reason, so follow them and label all of your things for each category. Also, make sure you put your hallway and room number because once move in day comes around, your stuff is going to be piled up in that tiny hallway with everyone else's things.

Don't over pack.

Another obvious one? Maybe. Personally, I made this mistake my freshman year of college and ultimately regretted it when it came time to move everything out. Don't over pack the small things. For example, I packed at least three bottles of shampoo thinking I'd run out quickly when in reality I should have just had one back up. The same thing goes for garbage bags, makeup, laundry items, and even clothes. It's going to be at least 90 degrees for the first three weeks of September and slowly cool down from there, so don't bring too many heavy set clothes just yet. They'll just take up space.

School supplies on sale.

Don't wait until the very last minute to get your school supplies. It may seem like a great idea, but especially as a college student, you don't really get those "this is what you'll need" sheets anymore. There may be a few things your professor required you to have, and they'll let you know, but for now, just grab the essentials. Get a few binders, some college ruled one subject notebooks, pencils, pens, and some folders as well. Whatever you don't use you could use in the next semester or use it to organize important notices from your RA's or college itself.

You'll be one step ahead for this coming school year if you follow these basic tips.