After a long summer break full of fun and relaxation, one of the most stressful nights for a student is the one before school reopens. Even after you’ve meticulously made sure everything is ready and set ten alarms for the morning, you worry you won’t wake up to any of them.

Then you can’t fall asleep, stressing that something might go wrong.

But that’s okay. You need to remember: as hectic as the first morning may be, it will only get better from there. The nervousness that comes with going back to school is natural, but read on to make your return this summer the smoothest ever.

Get ahead with smart preparation

One of the best ways to avoid last-minute stress is to get your uniform, books and stationery well organised before the school reopens. Doing this in the last week of the holidays will cause unnecessary headaches for you and your parents, as shops will be packed with others doing the same, and stocks might even run out.

It is also important to have all your course books and notebooks labelled with your name and class, and even plastic-coated to keep them in good shape.

Pack your backpack a couple of days in advance for peace of mind and to check if you have everything you need. You not only need the basic pens and pencils, but also things like a ruler, highlighter, compass and calculator, if applicable to your grade. Other backpack essentials include a large water bottle and some money to buy lunch, just in case.

This process becomes easier if you make a checklist of all the items you might need. Having a notebook or planner with a calendar is also really helpful to mark the dates of assignments, club activities and other events. This way, not just you, but your parents too, can stay informed about what you have coming up.

Set up your study space and devices

You also need to make sure your study space is clean and organised. Remove distractions and decorate it to make it cheerful and welcoming.

Nowadays, preparing also means getting your digital devices ready. If your course includes e-books, download them in advance. Free up storage space by removing last year’s material and organise your files into folders so you can find everything easily later.

Set meaningful goals

Start by setting long-term goals based on everything you learnt from the previous year. Reflect not only on your achievements, but also your mistakes — learn from them and see how you can turn your failures into your strengths to do better this year.

These goals shouldn’t only be about academics. You can aim to improve in areas like public speaking, sports, or anything else where you want to grow. These goals need your time and dedication to help you succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

You can also make a checklist for your first week at school: find all your classrooms, note down your timetable, introduce yourself to new teachers, and participate actively in class. Volunteering in after-school activities is another great way to develop confidence and gain experience.

Now, after you have made all these goals for yourself, you need to make sure that you are on track. For that, you need to check back in with these goals after a few months to see how much progress you have made.

Ease into a school routine

Holidays usually throw off our routines — and rightly so! But about a week before school starts, try shifting your sleep schedule. Go to bed earlier so you can wake up in time to catch the bus or join the morning routine. Getting a full eight hours of sleep is essential — not just for growth, but also to keep you energised and alert throughout the day. While you’re up early, why not lend a hand to your mum in making breakfast or packing lunch?

It’s also time to redefine your routine to fit in studies, family time, hobbies and games. If you discovered a new hobby over the summer, keep it up. Hobbies help you unwind and stay motivated during stressful times. A break from the constant hard work feels like a reward, helping you to relax.

That’s why the most effective study schedules include regular breaks to help you stay focused and refreshed.

Make the most of your time at school

Once you’re back at school, you need to have a clear plan for how the year will go. Pay attention in class, take your own notes and don’t rely on friends to share theirs. When you miss a day of school, make sure to complete your work and also keep in touch with your teacher to resolve any problems you face.

Keeping up with both classwork and homework ensures you learn steadily throughout the term and this helps prevent last-minute panic before exams.

Look after your health — body and mind

In trying to get the new academic year off to a good start, don’t forget to focus on yourself. Avoid overloading your schedule — or you’ll burn out quickly. Your physical health is just as important as your mental wellbeing.

Eat well, exercise and get enough rest to take care of your body. At the same time, feed your mind with good thoughts, good company, good books and good vibes. Keep the lines of communication open with your parents and teachers. Most importantly, don’t let failure or setbacks break your confidence. Learn from your mistakes, get up after falling down, and keep trying until you’ve done your best. That’s how success comes.

Choose your friends wisely

Friends play an important part in your school life — they can make your experience great or ruin it. Being in the right company makes you more productive. Loyal and supportive friends can help you through even the toughest challenges.

In class, sit with those who focus on the lesson instead of passing notes or chatting. Having a group of friends who help each other in studies and provide healthy competition will motivate you to do your best.

Your best year yet

As the school year begins, remember that each new day is a chance to grow and become a better version of yourself. And when you get off to a good start, not only will you have a successful academic year, but also something special to look back on and cherish for years to come.

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 2nd, 2025