Whether you are going back to elementary or high school, or going to college, there are things that you can do to help yourself be prepared and ready for your school year, or term. It doesn’t even matter if you are a first time college student or someone who has been going for a couple years now, a reminder is always good. You have preparations that require the school and preparations that require you to go shopping. You may also need to prepare yourself mentally. As someone who is about to head back to college in less than a month I can relate to the need for preparation. I have been attending college online for the last two years and decided to attend a traditional college this year. Now I will have to be prepared, again, for an actual classroom, and I haven’t been in one of those since 1993!
First of all you need to go to orientation. This goes for both high school and college students. Orientation is where you find out what classes you’ll be taking and when. Orientation is good for new students and returning students. It helps you have a head start on where you’ll need to be on your first day of school.
For us college students it is important to make sure financial aide has been taken care of, that high school or other college transcripts have made it to the new school and that you know when and where to get your books. Books for class are important because without them on your first day of class you’ll already start to fall behind.
Those were the hard parts. The shopping, fun, part is next. How many classes do you have? This will determine how many notebooks and folders you may need. You’ll need #2 pencils, pens (black ink and/or blue ink) and a backpack or messenger bag. Some extras that may come in handy are an eraser, stapler and staples, tape, scissors and maybe even some high lighter markers. I will also be taking my traveling water bottle and my pedometer with me to school. My college only allows clear water in classrooms and I like to stay hydrated. I am also a fitness hound, so counting all my extra steps in a day will be great!
Lastly, you need to prepare yourself mentally. For first time college students most colleges will have a preparation class for you that teaches you note taking, time management and how to mentally prepare yourself to be a college student. If you are in elementary, high school or are a returning college student you will have to prepare on your own. Start putting yourself in that school mind even before your fist day comes. Get up earlier, get used to eating your meals at a different time, start preparing study time and homework time at home. Give yourself a special area at home for doing school related stuff, somewhere you aren’t distracted by the television and other people.
School doesn’t have to be difficult. Don’t be nervous about that first day back, just remember this is how you will make sure you have a better future!