Going Back to School or Uni?
5 + 3 Tips for a Smooth Transition
By Sophia Grifferty
It’s time to get back to school or university; time for activities, sports, clubs, and homework. If you’re a student this can be a hectic time, but you can make the most of your transition from relaxing summer days by following these easy-to-do tips.
1. Live up summer
Get everything on your checklist done and complete activities on your summer bucket list. Being prepared also means getting the most out of your summer break: Have you done everything you wanted to do this summer? If not, try to plan fun activities while you have the time to do them.
2. Buy school supplies early
School supplies are vital for a student’s success. Who knows, you might need a couple notebooks even on the first day of school. Make sure you have all of the binders and paper and pencils and pens you need. Make a list of essential materials and ask your teachers or counselors for a list of what you need to buy. This helps protect the family budget. It might also be time to purchase more pricey items, such as a laptop or a scientific calculator.
3. Don’t over-shop for clothes
Ask yourself this: how many clothes do I really need? Think about the dent made in your parents’ bank account last year. Make sure you spend your money only on clothes you need. Before you shop, empty your drawers and closet of outgrown or worn-out clothing, and either store or donate them. Organize the rest of your clothes and check for hand-me-downs from older siblings or friends. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to make a list of clothes you need to buy for the year.
4. Organize your materials and workplace
It is so important to be organized so you can deal with all the challenges that come with the new academic year. By now, your desk might be covered in last year’s forgotten schoolwork. This isn’t exactly a place that encourages focus or organization. The solution is to organize your desk in a way that works for you. Make room for day-to-day materials, like your laptop or homework papers.
5. Don’t do your summer work the night before the first day of school
Don’t upset your new teachers by not completing your summer work or doing it last minute. Finishing your work ahead of time also keeps your stress levels down so you can enjoy your first day of school. So do your reading, finish that untouched packet that’s sitting on your desk, and make an impressive start to your school year. Tim Munnerlyn, High School Counselor at the American Community School of Abu Dhabi (ACS) says, “Being proactive is the best advice. Seek help from teachers and parents before academic issues become a problem. Setting up consistent study times and remaining diligent are the best ways to avoid an academic melt down.”
6. Reset your body clock
Odds are you’ve been staying up late on summer nights and sleeping in on summer days. Ease your way into your new schedule by going to bed a little earlier each night and waking up earlier each morning. Try going to bed 20 minutes earlier every three days, starting two weeks before school begins. It’s important to get at least eight hours of sleep every night, so you can calculate the hour at which you’ll need to get up for school and count backwards eight hours or so. Melissa Dertian, High School Theater/Film teacher at ACS says, “Lots of students are sleepy and not as focused those first few days of school. As teachers we want to jump right into material, and that may not be the best if the students are still struggling to get themselves back into the schedule.”
7. Remain calm and positive
Going back to school can be stressful. For university students it is even tougher, especially if you are leaving home. Try to remember all of the good study habits that got you through the year last year. Dertian says, “Don’t panic. We teachers are getting used to the schedule again and we’re excited to see you and eager to see you be successful.” Try not to stress too much, and see if you can go beyond the mundane transmission of knowledge and appreciate the education you are receiving.
8. Get excited!
It’s time to see your friends again! Many of them have traveled around the world for summer break. It’s exciting to exchange summer stories and catch up with the people you love to be around. Remember all of the great activities you participated in last year? It’s time for another year of that and more. Do you enjoy films and plays? Are you good with technology? Join a tech club or tech class to further your interest. School and university are there to not only challenge you but to also help you find what you’re interested in. So why not give things a try?
Go ahead and get ready for a new and exciting year!
