Helpful Ways to Set Yourself Up for a Successful School Year

Whether you are excited or nervous about the new school year (or a combination of both), it is important to have a plan in place for a strong start.
As a therapist who works with high school and college students, I have supported hundreds of clients during their school years. When it comes to academic struggles, there are specific areas that tend to cause the most stress. Being aware of these potential stressors and planning for them can make a huge difference for your semester.
From organizational tools to asking for help, here are three ways you can help prepare yourself for the new school year.
Tip 1- Get Organized
Some people are natural organizers. The rest of us need a bit more help. There are several ways you can keep yourself organized and on track for the school year:
Write everything in a planner. Color coordinate based on subject, activity, or deadline. This is a perfect reason to break out your rainbow of gel pens! Writing things down rather than typing them can help you to remember them more effectively. Research studies such as this one support this claim.
Use organizational apps on your phone or tablet if you prefer to keep track of everything online. Some organizational apps include Evernote, Trello, Todoist, iHomework, or myHomework Student Planner. Find one that you like and make sure to use it!
Set reminders or alarms on your phone. Between classes, activities, jobs, and everything else, there can be a lot to remember. Phone reminders can be a helpful way to stay on track and manage your time effectively.
Create a visual reminder. Whether it's a whiteboard or a giant monthly calendar you can hang on your wall, it can be helpful to have visual reminders of your tasks and responsibilities. Another great use for those colorful gel pens!
Create a study space. While sitting on your bed can be comfortable and convenient, it can also be tempting to lay down and take a nap. You may tell yourself it'll just be for a few minutes, but it never really works that way, does it? Find a space where you can focus, whether that is in your room, the library, or even a coffee shop. Have a few different options in mind in case one of your spaces isn't available.
Tip 2 - Practice Patience
This one may not make sense right away, but here is why practicing patience is so important. Transitioning into something new can be difficult, whether it's something you are looking forward to or something you are dreading. When you start a new school year (or even a new school), you need to adjust to new teachers, classes, and demands on your time and effort. Even if you like school, this can still feel like a huge adjustment.
It's easy to get stressed and overwhelmed at the beginning of the semester. I've certainly struggled with bouts of anxiety and thoughts of "I'll never pass this class" after reading a syllabus. OK, maybe after every syllabus. If that has happened to you, slow down and take a few deep breaths. (No, seriously, focusing on your breath can help control stress and reduce the "fight or flight" response that comes with anxiety.) Remind yourself that you have gotten through every school year up to this point and you will figure this one out too.
It is also important to remember that adjusting to something new takes time. Routines and habits must be practiced daily in order for them to stick, and you won't get things right every time. During the first two to three weeks of school, it is essential that you do not expect yourself to be perfect and have everything balanced right away. Be patient with yourself as you settle into your new routine and remember that your classmates are struggling with the exact same challenges.
Tip 3 - Ask for Help
Say by this point you have bought your planner, downloaded your apps, have your study space prepared, and are trying your best to be patient with the process. Yet you are still struggling to figure out the best way to make it all work for you. It is OK to ask for help.
As much as we may want to figure out everything on our own, it's not always realistic. If you are getting stuck in a particular area, identify people in your life who may be able to help. Unsure about how to write an email to a professor or advisor? Ask a trusted adult for advice. Trying to set up your planner but haven't figured out a system that works for you? Ask your most organized friend for tips. Feeling overwhelmed while trying to figure out how to fit in all of your clubs and activities? Sit down with someone and brainstorm together. You don't have to do everything on your own.
Asking for help is also important during the school year. I have watched so many clients suffer because they were trying to do too much on their own, ultimately making them feel isolated. There are people in your life who may have different ideas and suggestions for you. These may include teachers, parents, siblings, classmates, tutors, advisors, coaches, and even therapists. Connecting with people in your community and support system can help things to feel more manageable. Jennifer Skorch, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Seattle, WA, states:
Asking for help can be so hard because it's a form of vulnerability. Being courageous enough to ask anyway can be a great step towards contributing to our relationships by promoting emotional safety. Plus, we are potentially gaining new ideas we didn't already have when receiving help.
Starting a new school year can be full of uncertainty and unknowns, but following the tips above can give you a strong start. If you have an additional tip that has helped you, please comment below. Here's to a great semester!
If you find yourself struggling more than usual or notice a sharp increase in feelings of worry, nervousness, helplessness, or hopelessness, please reach out to a school counselor or contact me here to schedule a session.
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