Back to school: our 6 top tips for students

After the summer holidays, getting back into the school/college routine can feel like a big change that can bring a mix of emotions. You might be excited to see all your friends again, or perhaps you might be feeling a little nervous about new teachers/lecturers or moving into a new year group.

Whatever you’re feeling, taking some time to prepare before your first day back can make it much easier.

Keep reading to discover our top tips for going back to school/college…

6 back to school tips for students

1. Get your stationery and bag organised

Getting your school/college bag and stationery ready before the first day will help you feel prepared and avoid any last-minute panic.

Empty your school/college bag and give it a quick clean. Throw away any old snack wrappers or broken pens that might still be hiding inside from last term.

Then the fun part – stationery! You don't need lots of expensive supplies, but having the essentials ready can make everyday lessons much easier. Make sure you have things like:

Pens and pencils
A ruler
A rubber and pencil sharpener
Highlighters
A calculator (if your subjects require one)
A pencil case to keep everything together
Folders for your subjects

2. Get enough sleep

You might be used to staying up later and enjoying lazy mornings during the holidays, but once school/college starts again, getting back into a regular sleep routine can make a big difference to how you feel throughout the school/college day.

So, if your sleep routine has slipped over the holidays, try making small changes a few days before you go back to school/college. Going to bed a little earlier each night and setting a consistent wake-up time can help your body adjust without it feeling like a huge change.

3. Build a routine you can stick to

Starting a new school/college year will mean you'll be adjusting to new subjects, a new timetable, homework and extracurricular activities. And while it might take a little time to settle in, creating a routine that works for you can make balancing everything much easier.

Your routine doesn't need to be jam-packed from morning to night. Instead, focus on building a few simple habits that you can stick to every week. For example, you could:

Pack your school/college bag the night before so you're not rushing in the morning.
Set aside time for homework each day.
Make time to relax, whether that's playing sport, listening to music, gaming or spending time with friends.
Aim for a regular bedtime so you feel rested and ready for school/college.

This leads us nicely onto our fourth point…

4. Look after your wellbeing

Looking after your wellbeing can help you feel happier and more confident when heading into a new school/college year.

This doesn't have to mean making huge changes. Small habits can have a positive impact on how you feel each day. Try to eat regular, balanced meals, stay hydrated and make time to be active, whether that's walking to school/college or playing sport during or after school/college.

It’s also important to take breaks, especially if you’ve been doing homework/revising for a while or spending lots of time on a screen.

If you’d like some additional wellbeing tips, discover our wide range of wellbeing support blogs here.

5. Make the most of the resources around you

Your teachers/lecturers are there to support your learning, so if you don't understand something in class or need extra guidance, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Chances are, if you're unsure about something, someone else in your class is too.

Don't forget about the online resources available to you, too. If you're studying for WJEC qualifications, make the most of the official revision resources and subject support available throughout the year.

6. Start revising little and often

Starting revision early is honestly one of the best habits you can build. Even just 10-15 minutes a few times a week going over what you’ve covered in class can make a big difference to your memory retention over time.

Try using different revision techniques to find what works best for you, and you can learn all about these in our memory retention blog.

Back to school/college FAQs

How do I stay organised during the school/college year?

To put simply, staying organised starts with putting simple habits in place. For example, use a weekly planner or calendar to keep track of homework and deadlines, pack your school/college bag the night before, make sure you get enough sleep and stick to a routine that works for you.

How can I reduce stress at school/college?

The best way to reduce stress at school/college is to stay organised, keep up with your homework and make time to relax. If you're feeling overwhelmed, talk to a trusted teacher, lecturer, parent, carer or friend. Remember, asking for help is a positive step, and you don't have to manage everything on your own.

When should students start revising?

It's a good idea to start revising early in the school/college year rather than waiting until exams are just around the corner. Revising little and often can help you remember what you've learnt, build your confidence and make exam season feel much less stressful.

And there we have it! If you found this blog helpful, we have many more revision tips in our student support blog, including topics such as ‘Bored of revising? 5 tips to make revision fun’, 'How to revise without getting distracted: Our 6 top tips' & ‘10 Top Tips for the Night Before Your Exam'.