First Day of School Tips & Tricks

The first day of school can be both exciting and scary.

Some students look forward to the beginning of the school year with anticipation. Others dread the first day of classes, as it can mean a return to the structure of school and an end to the freedom of summer. However, though going back to school (or going to school for the first time) can be stressful, several tips and tricks can help you pass the first day of school calmly and successfully.

Plan Ahead

Before going to your first day of school, make a list of items you will need to bring with you. Do your back-to-school shopping at least a week ahead of time. If your school has not provided you with a list of materials to purchase, do not hesitate to call an administrator or your teacher to ask what will be needed. In addition, planning your lunch and outfit the day before can help calm your nerves for the first day of school. Finally, going through a "test run," where you visit the school ahead of time to find things such as your locker, homeroom and other important locations can help you prepare.

Organize

Keep yourself organized from the beginning to avoid the hassle and confusion of the first day of school. For example, if you have several classes, you might purchase color-coordinated textbook covers and notebooks ahead of time so you can keep your notes for each class separate. Similarly, keeping a copy of your schedule and important numbers, such as your locker combination, in each notebook can help calm you, as you will always have the information accessible and won't have to worry about losing it.

Keeping a Notebook

While it may seem like you will remember everything you're told, it can be very easy to forget important information, as you're given so much on the first day of school. Keep a separate notebook for important information, such as your teachers' names, the start and end time of each class, your lunch hour and the number of your parking spot (if you have one).

Routines

Though the first day of school can seem overwhelming, it's important to set up routines that you can follow for the rest of the year. When you get home from school, for example, make your lunch and plan your outfit for the next day. Similarly, you can choose one specific study area and pick a particular time that you will do your homework each day after school, which will help prevent you from falling behind.

References

• KidsHealth: Going Back to School