Tips to get organized before the back-to-school

The beginning of a new school year can be exciting but also overwhelming. Properly preparing before classes start is crucial to getting off to a good start and maintaining success throughout the academic year. Below, we present some practical and helpful tips for organizing yourself before classes start and ensuring success.

Establish a Routine

Before school starts, it’s helpful to establish a daily routine. This includes setting schedules for sleeping, studying, and extracurricular activities. A well-defined routine will help you adapt to the school schedule and maximize your time. Also, include time for rest and leisure, as balance is essential for optimal performance. An established routine provides structure and reduces the stress of changing schedules.

Prepare School Materials

Having all the necessary school supplies ready before the first day can reduce stress and ensure you are prepared to learn. This includes purchasing books, notebooks, pens, pencils, apps, electronic devices, and any other specific materials required by the courses.

Organize your Study Space

A tidy study space free of distractions is essential to maintaining concentration and productivity. Spend time cleaning and organizing your desk, ensuring you have all the necessary materials, such as books, notebooks, pens, and a computer. Ensure the area is equipped with everything you need, such as a comfortable chair, good lighting, and storage for school supplies. Keeping this space clean and tidy can improve concentration and efficiency in studying. A well-organized study environment improves your focus and reduces stress and anxiety.

Plan and Prioritize Your Tasks

Before school starts, it’s a good idea to plan and prioritize your tasks and responsibilities. Use a planner or time management app to write down important dates, such as exams, project deadlines, and vacations. Set short—and long-term goals and break down your tasks into manageable steps. Using a planner or digital calendar to record these dates and plan study time is an effective time management strategy. This will help you stay organized and calm when school responsibilities pile up.

Establish Academic Goals

Setting clear, achievable goals for the school year can motivate you and provide clear direction. These goals can be academic, such as obtaining specific grades, or related to personal development, such as improving a particular skill. It is important that goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Review Material from the Previous Year

Reviewing material from the previous year can help refresh memory and prepare students for the new concepts they will learn. This may include reading past notes, reviewing textbooks, and practicing related problems or exercises.

Keep a positive attitude.

Maintaining a positive attitude toward the beginning of the new school year can significantly influence success and satisfaction. Self-efficacy, or the belief in one’s ability to succeed, is related to better academic performance. Fostering a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities to learn and grow, can also be beneficial.

Getting ready and organized before school starts can significantly impact your academic performance and overall well-being. Establishing a routine, organizing your study space, and planning your assignments will allow you to start the school year effectively and stay on the path to success. Get ready and face the new school year with confidence and enthusiasm!

References:

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: W.H. Freeman.

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