5 Steps to Prepare Yourself for School

Image via flickr by CollegeDegrees360

It's hard to believe that school is starting already. It seems like summer just began. There are still plenty of days to soak up the sun and head to the pool or beach on the weekends, so you'll need to make sure you're organized and have a study plan set up so you can be free to enjoy the final days of summer.

But don't fret: With a few tips and tricks, you can make the transition easily, and keep the weekends free and clear.

1. Make a Plan

Grab a notebook and pen and start jotting down notes about what you'll need for the upcoming school year. Write down your classes and what you'll need for each class and how much study time you estimate needing each week per class.

Take a look around your room and determine where you'll study. Is your study space sufficient? Does it need cleaning? Do you need to stock up on study supplies? Add these items to your notes.

Go through your closet. How is your wardrobe? Do you need to replace anything or buy new clothes for school? Add them to your notes.

Determine your back-to-school budget. Write down how much you have to spend on supplies and clothes.


2. Write a Shopping List

Grab two fresh sheets of paper and write out your shopping list. You'll want to make two lists: One for supplies, and one for clothes.

Look through your notes to determine what school and study items you'll need. Add them to your supply list.

Look through your notes from your closet. Write a list for the clothes, shoes, and accessories you'll need to buy for the new school year.

Now look at your budget, and determine how to split it. If you have a long list of clothes you need to buy, you'll want to spend most of it on that list. Write down how much you can spend for clothes and shoes on your clothes list, and how much you can spend on supplies on your supply list.

3. Buy Your Supplies

Time to go shopping! Depending on what stores you like to shop at, you can do it all in one day, or plan one day for supplies and one day for clothes. Take your shopping lists with you, and check off each item as you add them to the cart. You will probably come across extra items you'll want to grab. Just be sure they fit into your budget before you buy them.

4. Get Organized

When you're done shopping, it's time to organize all of your items.

Clean off your desk and make room for your new supplies. Store them on the shelves and in the drawers of your desk. Keep everything organized so you know where to find everything. The cleaner you keep your desk, the easier it will be to study.

Clean out your closet. Remove all of the old clothes you're replacing and set them aside to take to the thrift store. Hang up your new clothes neatly, and in order. Keep outfits together, or create sections for your pants, shirts, etc. Line your shoes up on a rack or the closet floor so you can see them easily. The cleaner you keep your closet, the easier it will be to get ready in the mornings.

5. Create a Schedule

Look at your class list and the notes you wrote about study time. Use a calendar to block off specific study times for each class every day. Block off times you have other commitments, such as after-school activities and family obligations. Follow this schedule throughout the semester. It will help you get your studying and homework done on time during the week, and allow you to take the weekends off.

By planning and organizing your school year before it starts, you'll save yourself time and frustration later. Follow your plan and keep your room organized so that you will have more time to spend on the activities you love.

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