A Complete Back to School Guide

A guest has taken over my blog today ( my favourite guest).. she wrote a back to school guide and I liked it so I thought it would be beneficial.   

A Complete Back to School Guide 

From a 3rd year university student...

Here’s a little background information on me. I’m a 3rd year university student double majoring in Music and French. I have figured out what works for me, it may not work for everyone.

Supplies

There are really not many things that you need to survive and thrive in university, at least as far as school supplies are concerned. The biggest necessity is a laptop. We are living in the digital age and everything that you do in university is online. Some other essentials include:

• Notebooks 

• Folders/binders

• Pens/pencils

• Highlighters

• Planner/calendar

• Graph paper

I prefer to take notes on paper, I find that I retain the information better. However, others prefer taking notes digitally using a laptop or tablet. I like to keep any handouts given to me in folders, a binder with dividers would work just as well. In university, there are bound to be readings and textbooks, highlighters and pens are great to write in margins. If you are taking any math or stats classes, graph paper is super important. My favourite option is graph notebooks, keeps everything bound together nicely. After a laptop, the most important school supply is a planner or calendar. There will be plenty of assignments and due dates that are important to keep track of.

To keep organized, I colour code each class. Each notebook and folder are matching, and I like to write all due dates and assignments in the same colour as well. For this semester my colours are red, blue, orange, green, and purple. 

Before Starting School

I have several things that I like to do in the weeks leading up to school starting. The biggest thing is that I like to do a deep clean of my room. If you are moving into a dorm, this will be the equivalent of that step. If you are living at home, like me, or in an apartment, having a clean and organized living space is a fresh way to start your school year.  Shopping for your supplies and getting them prepared for back to school is a good way to get into the school mindset. 

First Week

Your first week of school can be incredibly scary. There are a few things that will help to ease the transition. 

1. Read all of the syllabi and write the due dates down in your planner. 

2. Get to know the school and your classes right away.

3. If possible, get to know your profs/teachers. Not everyone can do this, especially in larger schools. But it is good to try.

4. Set a routine right away. Consistency is great and getting in good study and lifestyle habits is important to start right away.

Important Tips and Tricks

• The most important thing is your physical and mental health. Everyone wants good grades, but your health is the most important thing. Prioritize at least an hour a week to do something for yourself.

• Make sure to socialize with your classmates. Plan a study date or a time to get together with others in your program.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for an extension on assignments. Life happens, professors are usually pretty accommodating with giving extensions.

• Get your assignments started early. It’s easy to say that you will do this, however actually doing it is much more difficult. The hardest part of any task is starting it, just do it.

• Utilize your schools’ resources. The study spaces, the tutoring services, anything may offer is there to help.

Happy back to school season, go out there and do your best!