With the new school year coming up in a few short weeks, the things to take care of can feel overwhelming and hard to keep track of, for both children and parents. It may seem like a never-ending cycle of applying for classes, looking for new school supplies, and making sure everything is ready. In this article, I will cover the steps that I, a university student, am taking to stay on top of my back-to-school to-do list.
Getting back on a healthy sleep schedule:
After a three-month-long summer break of doing practically nothing, my sleep schedule is completely messed up. I find myself waking up in the afternoon and not feeling tired until dawn. Of course, this is not ideal, especially with school starting in such a short time. Usually, students will have to attend classes early in the morning, and although my classes start at 10 a.m., a bit later than most, getting my body used to a new sleep schedule is something I must do weeks before the first day of school. You do not want to show up to class half-asleep. Which is why, for the past week or so, I have been putting in the effort to sleep and wake up earlier. It may seem difficult and tiring at first, but trust me, a healthy sleep schedule means more time to do the things you love and better days with better vibes.
Registering for classes:
For college and university students, registering for classes is a manual task, unlike the automatic process in middle and high school. This means that students must select what classes they would like to take and enroll in them. For students attending a new school, or in my case, transferring, it is sometimes an entirely new process to enroll in classes, and not a particularly enjoyable one either. However, it is important not to wait to register, as classes have limited seats, and if you wait too long, the classes you were hoping to take will be full. If you are having trouble finding and registering for classes, asking an academic advisor for help is always an option and can make it easier to create a schedule that works for you.
Creating a schedule:
After I register for my classes, I like to create a class schedule. Schedules are great, as they tell you what time your class begins and ends, and what classes are in each day. Especially at the start of the semester, when you are not familiar with the locations of each class, writing down the room number in the schedule will help you familiarize yourself with the classroom location. But it does not stop there. Having a schedule not only helps with keeping track of class times, but also with school events and daily events as well. If you have other things to add to the schedule, such as time you would like to set aside for hobbies or an appointment, keeping track of your time will be a lot smoother.
Preparing school supplies:
For younger children, shopping for school supplies is fun. Looking for new notebooks or unique bookbags always provides a new experience. But for college and university students, back-to-school shopping is tedious and is seen as more of a chore than an adventure. I do not buy new supplies for every school year, especially since half of the supplies end up being unused at the end. It is best to look around and find older supplies that can still be used, as you can save some money and spare the hassle of going to the store. Additionally, assignments and class resources are often online now, so the only things that you will need in class are a laptop, a notebook, and a pen to take notes. If your school requires supplies that you do not have, buy them ahead of time to not risk being unprepared for class.
Getting familiar with school activities:
School is not just a place for learning; it is a place for socializing and meeting new people. The best way to meet people is at school events and clubs. Familiarizing yourself with school activities will help you discover events and organizations that will make your school experience more fun. If you do find events or after-school meetings that sound interesting, you can add them to your schedule. School does not last forever, so enjoying it while you can is worth it.
Getting ready for a new school year can feel overwhelming and repetitive, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the process much smoother. Whether it’s adjusting your sleep schedule, registering for classes, preparing supplies, or exploring school activities, each step brings you closer to starting the year feeling confident and prepared. By planning and taking care of these tasks early, you can reduce stress and leave more room to enjoy the exciting opportunities that come with the new school year.
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