As the school year begins for many students, it may be overwhelming to think of how difficult the next nine or ten months are going to be. However, a new school year means a new start! Here are some tips to start your year off strong, and hopefully make life a bit more manageable.
1. Be organized.
Staying organized is vital to succeeding in school. Whether you use a physical planner or keep track of things digitally, make sure you know what you’re doing and when you’re doing it. Some students just assume they can memorize all their due dates, but it quickly gets overwhelming, and it’s very easy to forget. Use a calendar or planner to not only keep track of important due dates, but also other events, like sports practices, work, volunteering, etc. Additionally, using a to-do list can help you remember what you need to accomplish.
Besides this, spread out your work throughout the week. If you know you have a big project coming up, start planning what you want to finish
each day leading up to the due date. It’s extremely difficult to finish everything in one day if you procrastinate. Furthermore, make sure you manage your time well. Set goals for yourself, prioritize your tasks, and stay focused while you work.
2. Make a routine.
Having a routine that you stick to can significantly reduce anxiety and make you feel more focused. Wake up and sleep at the same time every day, and have a plan for what you’re going to do during the day. Your routine might change day-to-day, especially if you have many extracurriculars, but try to keep a consistent overall routine.
When you get home, take a break for around 15 minutes, and during this time, create a plan for how you’re going to spend the rest of the day. Include time to do homework, take breaks, and accomplish whatever else you need.
The most important part of a routine is making sure you stick to it, so be sure to plan well!
3. Create a good study space.
A good study space should be comfortable, but don’t sit on your couch or bed. This might make you feel sleepy, and you might end up in some uncomfortable positions. It’s best to work at a desk or table, with a chair that provides adequate back and neck support. In addition, try to keep your study space as quiet as possible, and minimize distractions. If having your phone next to you is too distracting, try placing it in another room or giving it to someone else to hold onto.
4. Pay attention in class.
This goes without saying, but you must pay attention in your classes! It’s extremely important to stay focused and alert during class. Be engaged, take notes, participate in discussions, and ask questions when you need to. This will drastically improve your chances of succeeding on tests, and also build rapport with your teachers if they know you’re a good student. Doing homework, projects, and other assignments will be so much easier if you keep up with the content covered in class.
5. Communicate well.
Communication is key – not only with your friends, but also peers, parents, and teachers. This year, try reaching out to some new people! If you have people you know in every class, it’s a lot easier to study together and collaborate. Moreover, let your family and friends know what your schedule looks like. Finally, communicate well with your teachers. Ask for help as soon as you need it. You can send them an email, stay after school, or get to school early. Your teachers will never refuse to help you.
6. Take breaks.
School can be incredibly taxing and competitive, causing a lot of stress. During this time, it’s extremely important to take time for yourself to do something relaxing or something you enjoy. Studying for long hours without any breaks has shown to be more ineffective than taking a few short breaks between study sessions. Additionally, be sure to find some healthy ways to manage stress and possible burnout. If you find that you’re
too stressed to function properly, take a step back and take a break. Ask for support from parents, counselors, and friends if you need it. School is important, but your health always comes first.
