Get Organized: 30 Tips To Prepare for Going Back to School

The back-to-school season is an exciting yet stressful time. Summer is winding down and it’s time to shift gears academically and get organized for the school year ahead. Planning and preparation now will set you up for success when classes begin.

Whether you’re heading off to college for the first time or going back to primary or secondary school, these 30 tips will help you transition smoothly.

Academic Preparation

Kickstart your studies early by getting a headstart on coursework. This early academic prep will pay off all term long.

1. Review course information

• Gather details about each of your classes. Make a page to compile key info like syllabus, textbook requirements, assignments etc.

2. Start pre-reading

• Complete assigned readings for the first week if possible. Knock out intro chapters to get exposure to concepts.

3. Do pre-work

• For university classes, work ahead by finishing assignments, discussion posts etc for week one. You’ll be glad not to scramble later.

4. Read supplemental materials

• Go beyond required texts. Find an additional source like a journal article to deepen knowledge.

5. Set up your planner

• Organize academic obligations and deadlines using a paper planner or digital calendar.

6. Prepare your notebooks

• Setup notebooks, binders or digital notes system like OneNote. Be ready to record lectures.

7. Set goal grades

• Challenge yourself by establishing target grades for each class. Strategize to meet them.

8. Input key dates

• Mark major test dates, paper deadlines, holidays, conferences etc in your planner.

9. Review old notes

• Scan previous years’ notes and refresh yourself on relevant concepts. Toss any irrelevant notes.

10. Back up files

• Save important docs like papers and notes in cloud storage or external hard drive as a backup.

Get Organized

An orderly study space and supplies will make school days easier. Use these tips to de-clutter and equip your workspace.

11. Purge old supplies

• Toss dried up pens and expired supplies. Make a list of items to replace.

12. Shop for new items

• Restock with fresh pens, pencils, paper, notebooks and other essentials you identified.

13. Clean out your backpack

• Empty last year’s crumbs and scraps. Wipe out interior and wash the exterior.

14. Pack your bag

• Refill your bag with notebooks, laptop, pencil case and other daily carry items.

15. Refresh your pencil case

• Toss dried up pens and refill any reusable ones. Stock up on fresh writing essentials.

16. Label your supplies

• Use permanent marker or labels to identify notebooks, pencil case, water bottle etc. Helps avoid mixups.

17. Make an emergency kit

• Pack a small pouch with bandaids, medications, feminine products, tissue etc.

18. Clean your room

• Clear clutter, dust, vacuum, wash bedding to create a clean slate for the new school year.

19. Declutter clothes

• Try on clothes and determine what no longer fits. Donate or sell unusable items.

20. Digitally declutter

• Organize computer files and delete unused apps and photos from your phone.

Lifestyle Preparation

Your daily habits and self-care routines will be interrupted when classes start. Get these lined up ahead of time.

21. Plan quick meals

• Find recipes for fast breakfasts, lunches, dinners so you don’t resort to junk food when busy.

22. Prepare study snacks

• Buy or make healthy snacks to fuel study sessions. Stock up on grab-and-go options.

23. Pack portable snacks

• Keep non-perishable snacks like trail mix, jerky or protein bars in your bag for on-the-go fuel.

24. Craft morning and evening routines

• Determine ideal daily rituals to start and end each day intentionally.

25. Map out an ideal schedule

• Block time for priorities like classes, activities, socializing, self-care and free time.

26. Join clubs or sports

• Browse extracurricular offerings and sign up for those that fit your interests.

27. Make a goals list

• Write specific academic, social and personal goals to motivate you this term.

28. Create playlists

• Make upbeat playlists for workouts and motivating study sessions.

29. Prepare outfits

• Determine 5 go-to comfortable weekday outfits so you don’t overthink dressing each morning.

Enjoy the Last Days of Summer

Before school starts, soak up the final days of summer with fun activities.

30. Read for pleasure

• Tackle books you won’t have time for when classes begin.

31. Print photos

• Select favorite summer memories and print photos to hang up at school.

32. Make a memory video

• Compile clips into a video to commemorate summer fun before it becomes a distant memory.

33. Make a happiness list

• Write down activities, people, places etc that spark joy so you can revisit it when stressed at school.

34. Create study inspiration boards

• Find motivating images on Pinterest to get excited about learning.

35. Take a tech-free day

• Unplug completely for a day of rest and reflection before the school rush.

36. Spend time with family

• Soak up quality time with family members you won’t see as often once school starts.

37. See friends

• Plan activities with close friends who will be at other schools or cities.

Getting your academic, organizational and personal habits in shape before the first day of classes will start your year off right. Let these tips guide your back-to-school preparations so you begin the new term focused and ready to succeed.

What are your top back-to-school planning essentials? Share your best tips in the comments below!