How To Get Back into School Mode

A new school year is approaching, which means it's time to get back into academic mode. A summer full of relaxation, leisure activities and late nights, however, can make it a little difficult for many students to return to a school routine. Check out the following tips and make your transition as streamlined as possible:

Buy Your Textbooks Early

Before the school year begins, choose your first semester courses, create a workable schedule and purchase your textbooks as early as possible. Veteran students know that there’s always a rush to get the highest quality used textbooks at the lowest prices. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes. In fact, many used textbooks sell out in a matter of minutes. High competition can also make it impossible to get a fair price. If you want to save a ton of time and money, purchase your books at least two weeks before the semester begins. Ordering early is also essential if you’re buying your books online and having them shipped instead of buying them at the campus bookstore or ordering e-books. The earlier you order them, the faster you get them. An early purchase will also ensure the lowest price and level of competition.

Buy School Supplies

Buying school supplies can help get your mind back in the mode of going to class. To capitalize on this feeling, purchase your supplies one to two weeks before the semester begins. Make a list of all the essential and additional items you will need for the classroom. Besides plenty of pens, pencils and paper, you should also purchase:

·         Notebooks

·         A planner

·         Erasers

·         A stapler

·         Binders

·         A backpack

·         A calculator (if needed)

·         Highlighters

·         Rulers

·         A zip, USB or flash drive 

Follow a Schedule

Following a schedule is a key component of student life. For many, it’s also vital to success. An unpredictable, disorganized summer can leave you unprepared for a highly organized academic schedule. To get back into a rhythm before the school year begins, break out the old (or new) planner, create and follow a schedule. Doing this at least three weeks before the first semester begins can reduce early burnout and make it easier to adjust to the new school year. Plan your bedtimes, wake ups, meals, exercise, leisure activities and work schedule.  

Systematically Wake Up Earlier

Going to bed late and waking up late can be a difficult habit to break. As soon as you can, begin to systematically wake up and go to bed a little earlier. Go to bed an hour earlier and set your alarm to wake you up an hour earlier each week. To maintain consistency, switch this up every three to five days. The goal is to reach reasonable, fixed times for waking up and going to bed. Eventually, your body will adjust to the new sleep pattern.

Pack Up and Secure Housing

Packing and securing housing can be more complicated than most students anticipate, so choose your university residence as early as possible. This will leave plenty of time for packing and generally organizing your move. If you’re an incoming freshman, this process should be started even earlier.

Before packing, create a list of the items you will need, as well as those provided by the university or housing facility (if moving off-campus). Remember that packing is a process that should be done (ideally) over the course of a few weeks. This way, you will have time to organize your belongings, obtain packing materials, move things to storage, throw away or donate unwanted items and, of course, pack. Thorough planning and organization will help you avoid the frustration and stress associated with packing, especially if you’re a first-time mover. Packing a day or two before the semester begins can quickly become overwhelming, as the process is much more involved than you might imagine.