A backpack or bag with pockets and sections in it.
Organizer baskets or boxes.
A Calendar/corkboard combo that you can post reminders at home.
Step1
Before you start school buy the supplies that you will need. Schools often publish their own lists for each class or make your own list of some practical items that you know that you will use and the teacher usually gives a more detailed list if you need specific items. Stocking up in the summer at the "Back to school" sales saves money.
Step2
Organize things at home. Post a wipe-off calendar/corkboard at home that you can write reminders for assignments and phone numbers etc. Determine where you will keep organizer baskets at home to keep extra supplies and projects that you are working on so that you aren't "hunting" for anything when you are supposed to be going out the door. Having things in a specific place at home saves valuable time.
Step3
Organize the bag/backpack that you will carry back and forth to class. Have a pocket that always has pencils, pens, erasers, calculator etc. If you have a nightly routine of putting everything you will need for the next day in your bag the night before class, you will avoid those chaotic mornings and always have what you need. Put the bag by the front door or in the same spot in your home everytime so that once again you aren't wasting time trying to find things.
Step4
Never procrastinate! Look ahead to plan projects and assignments to get things done in plenty of time. Time management is the difference between a great school experience and a painful one.
Tips & Warnings
ziploc bags are a great inexpensive way to organize the extras in your bag like cosmetics, snacks, medicine, etc.
schedule study AND play time.
get plenty of sleep
If your bag is heavy consider a backpack that when worn over both shoulders, distributes the weight of the bag evenly and prevents back, shoulder and neck pain.
Enthusiast 
Comments
MIghtyDreamer said
on 8/7/2008 Proven tactics that make for good transitions to going back to school.