Though it feels like Christmas was just the other day, and you’re still going through all of your New Years sale purchases, the both sad and joyous fact is that school is fast approaching.

You’ve probably spent the last several weeks lounging around with friends, working part time, sleeping in late and all the other fun stuff that comes with time off. But now reality looms just ahead and it’s time to start getting organised for back to school trials and tribulations.

Shopping
It’s best to start school shopping during the sales. Make the most of these super bargains and stock up on pens, pencils, glue, folders and anything else you might need. One of the best things about going back to school is all the shiny new things you get! Focusing on this as one of the many positive things about going back to your life will help brighten your end of holidays mood.

Another great thing is buy new clothes for the new year. The start of term is a great time to re establish yourself as a fashionista, comfort king, rocking radical or just yourself with slightly better hair.

Study Area Preparation
So you’ve had your fun buying new pens and shuffling your empty books now it’s time to really face up to school and prepare a study area. It may be that the desk in your room has slowly accumulated hundreds of bits of paper, broken pencils, rotting bowls as well as a pile of broken Christmas presents. Now is the time to stop procrastinating and start organising so you have the perfect space for all your resources.

Get rid of all of the stuff you don’t need anymore. File and label the stuff you do still need. Try not to hold onto things like scrap paper that has a really funny inside joke on it, unless you have a pin board for these kinds of things. Once everything is out of your work space buy a new calendar or poster to brighten it up and reward yourself.

Study Preparation
Studying is stressful, difficult and no one is paying you for it. To get yourself mentally and emotionally prepared for study is it best to start off with physical reassurance that you can do this with as little chaos as possible. A wall planner is perfect for this as you can see when things are due and start sorting out a regular routine. Planning also includes a diary, for more detailed explanations of the notes on your wall planner.

The best thing to remember about study is that you’re doing it for a reason. It’s not there for you to get depressed over, it’s there as a highway to your future!

That First Morning
Though we all love excitement in our lives the first day of school or college is not a great time to be running through your house, a bit of toast hanging from your mouth, asking your flatmate or mum where your straightners/bag/make up/underwear is. Try planning the night before. Make your lunch before you go to bed, or make sure you have enough money to get you through the day. Try also laying out your clothes so you know exactly what you’re going to do.

Finally the most important tip for starting school again, one that can never be forgotten. Set your alarm! Or on the first day, set three.

Now it’s time to start the first day of the rest of your year, make sure it’s the best one yet!

This article was kindly supplied by NZS.