How to Make a Smooth Transition from Summertime to School Time

Six steps to ease the pain of returning to school this fall.

As much as we hate to admit it, there is no denying that we are no longer able to laze around in the sun. School is right around the corner and summer is winding down. Instead of wasting the last precious days of summer, why not start getting back into shape for school? The first few days back are always hard, but here are a few tips to help you leave the beach and enter those classrooms with ease and a little more confidence than last year.

 
1. Start getting up early

To prevent yourself from looking and acting like a total zombie, start gradually waking up around the time you would for school. Do this a week or two before school starts. That way, you’ll be wide-awake for your first few days back; so while your classmates are falling asleep on their desks, you’ll be making a good first impression on your teachers.
 

2. Make a list of last-minute summer plans

 
3. Do a clothing swap with friends

Instead of going out and buying a whole new back-to-school wardrobe, which can be financially stressful, trade clothes with your friends! You’ll still get new stuff and rid yourself of things you no longer want. Your wallet will thank you! This will also give you a chance to re-organize your closet, or maybe even your entire room.

 
4. Find your classes

When your school mails you your timetable in the summer, the package will usually contain a map of the school. Figuring out where your classes are beforehand can help reduce the amount of scrambling that is done as you try to figure out how to get to your next class between periods. You can also figure out where your friends classes are so you can meet up at break.
 

5. Pack your bag the night before

Save yourself from feeling stressed out and overwhelmed in the morning before you head to school. Running around for your books before sprinting out the door is never a good way to start your morning, and you might forget the most important things. This is a good habit to maintain for the rest of the year!

 
6. Remember all of your school necessities

Whether you consider your necessities as a locker mirror, a really good dictionary or twenty different coloured pens, it’s always a good idea to bring everything. Since it will be your first day back, you don’t know if you need your supplies or not. It all depends on the teacher, but you’re better safe than sorry!