How to Prep for the First Day of School

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Use these tips to have your best school year yet
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The first day of school can help set the tone for the whole year, so it’s totally normal to feel some nervous jitters. But don’t worry! There are a few simple things you can do to prepare and make your first day go by without a hitch. Whether you’re going to be attending school online or in person, there’s plenty you can do to help your first day go more smoothly. We chatted with school counselor Ashley Pritchard to bring you the best advice on how you can prepare for your first day of school.

Quick Tips for Getting Ready for the First Day of School

  • Lay out your school supplies and clothes the night before so you’re all ready to go in the morning.
  • Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep, and avoid screens for a half-hour before bed.
  • Eat a filling breakfast in the morning to keep you alert and energized throughout the day.
Section 1 of 4:

Nighttime Prep

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  1. Spend some time picking out an outfit that you like, or gather your school uniform and lay it out beside your bed so you can quickly get dressed and don’t have to scramble to find clothes. Choose clothes that make you feel confident and make sure they’re clean. Pack your school supplies into your backpack so you can grab it and go. [1]
    • If you have to wear a school uniform, use accessories to add your own style to your look. Jewelry like necklaces or bracelets can really brighten up your uniform. Just make sure it’s not against the rules.
    • Be sure to follow your school's dress code, even if you don't have uniforms. You don't want to get in trouble on your first day!
  2. Decide if you’re going to be taking the school bus, if a friend or their parent is going to pick you up, or if your parents are going to drop you off so you can make a plan. Don’t wait until the last minute to organize your ride!
    • If you live close enough, you may be able to walk or ride a bicycle to school.
    • Riding the bus allows you to talk to other students and make some friends.
    • You could also join a carpool so you can ride to school with your friends.
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  3. Put away your phone and turn off your TV about half an hour to help your mind calm down, especially if you’re feeling nervous. Try listening to some quiet music or reading a book to relax. Go to bed early enough to give yourself a full night’s rest so you wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day. [2]
    • If you’ve been staying up late all summer, try going to bed earlier during the week before school starts to reset your sleep schedule .
    • Read a book if you’re having trouble falling asleep. You’ll start to naturally feel tired.
  4. It’s totally normal to feel a little anxious or nervous about a new school year. Try talking to somebody you trust, like a close friend or a family member. Tell them about how you’re feeling. They may be able to reassure you, and you may feel better just by talking about your feelings. [3]
    • You don’t have to bottle up your feelings. If you’re nervous, talk to somebody about it. If it’s a friend, chances are they’re nervous too!
    • Your parents can remind you about other times you were worried but ended up doing a great job. For instance, maybe you were super anxious before school a few years ago. But you did great, right?
  5. Give yourself plenty of time to get up and get yourself ready for your first day by setting an alarm for about an hour before you need to get to school. Set 2 alarms on your clock or phone so you don’t sleep through or snooze the first one and wake up late. [4]
    • Choose alarms that are loud and will definitely wake you up.
    • Try placing your alarm across the room so you have to get up to turn it off, which can help keep you from falling back asleep.
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Section 2 of 4:

First Day Tips

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  1. Start your day off right by eating a healthy breakfast that will fill you up until lunchtime. Eat a balanced breakfast that has some protein and carbs to give you fuel, like eggs and toast or a nice bowl of cereal with milk. Snack on some fruit and veggies as well. [5]
    • Don’t stuff yourself or you could feel sluggish and groggy.
    • If you feel too nervous to eat , try to at least get some toast or a piece of fruit so you’ve got something to help you make it until lunch.
    EXPERT TIP

    Ashley Pritchard, MA

    School Counselor
    Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine.
    Ashley Pritchard, MA
    School Counselor

    Our Expert Agrees: Some of the best ways you can prepare are getting enough sleep, getting up early, and eating a full breakfast. Being prepared helps so that you're not anxious and you don't feel overwhelmed.

  2. Pritchard advises figuring out where each of your classes are ahead of time so that you're less nervous about being late. Meet up with friends and find out if you have any classes together. Find out where your first class is located so you know exactly where you need to go.
    • Knowing where you need to go and where everything is may help you feel less anxious about the first day.
    • If you ride the bus to school, you’ll usually arrive a few minutes before classes start, giving you plenty of time to catch up with friends and scope out your classes.
  3. When you arrive at your classroom, go talk to your teacher. Tell them your name and what you’re excited about for their class. You’ll make a good impression and your teacher is much more likely to remember you if you need assistance in the future.
    • For example, if you love books, tell your English teacher that you’re looking forward to reading for their class.
    • Building a strong relationship with a teacher can be a game changer if you need that extra boost with your grade at the end of the year.
  4. Ask questions if you’re unsure about something and raise your hand if you know the answer to a question that your teacher asks. The first day of school usually doesn’t involve a lot of classwork or lectures, but if there are, take notes so you can review them later. If your teacher asks for a volunteer, don’t be afraid to go for it! But, if you’re nervous, it’s okay to lay low, take notes, and answer questions only when your teacher asks you. [6]
    • How can you show you're paying attention? Pritchard suggests, "[Maintaining] eye contact, being organized, asking good questions during the lecture, or being involved in a good discussion...shows that you're actually engaged in what they're saying and what they're teaching."
    • If you’re more of an introvert, no worries. You don’t have to be the class clown or the most popular person in the room to be a good student .
  5. Meet up with old friends that you already know and talk about what you did over the break. Introduce yourself to new people you meet in your classes or in the hallways to make new friends. Talking with friends, old or new, can help calm any jitters or nerves that you have about your first day. [7]
    • If you have social anxiety, being extra brave on your first day and making friends is a good way to help break out of your shyness. You'll soon find the vast majority of the people around you are potential friends you haven't bothered talking to yet!
  6. While there’s a lot coming at you on your first day, usually your teachers won’t assign major homework and you’ll spend most of the time learning about your new classes and figuring out your schedule. Use the opportunity to relax and settle into what will be your new routine for the school year. Enjoy catching up with friends and eating lunch. Make the best of your new school year and enjoy yourself! [8]
    • You’re surrounding yourself with people you'll be spending much of the next year with, and there's no reason why you shouldn't have fun spending time with them.
    • Try to overcome the anxieties you're feeling by taking slow, deep breaths when you feel your heart racing. [9] And try smiling: smiling, even when you don't feel like it, can actually make you feel happier! [10]
  7. Take some time to relax whenever you get home from school so you don’t feel overwhelmed from your first day. Play some games, grab a snack, lounge on the couch, or watch some TV to unwind. [11]
    • Be sure to set aside a little bit of time if you have any homework you need to knock out.
    • Ask a friend you met earlier that day to hang out and do something together.
    • There's nothing like finally coming home after your first day at school. Enjoy it!
    • Your first day will feel strangely long compared to other days, largely because of how many different things and people you'll have been exposed to at once. Make sure to treat yourself.
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Section 3 of 4:

Summer Prep

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  1. School clubs tend to start early in the year, so it's a good idea to look at what clubs and sports your school offers. Check out their website and ask around to see if there are any that you’re interested in joining so you can sign up when school starts.
    • Pritchard suggests, "Ask your school counselor [about] different clubs or sports, and...have your counselor get you in touch with a coach or another student who they know is involved in that. And then that's a good way to...meet somebody who has similar likes and interests."
    • You could also check out the school’s bulletin board or call the main office to learn more about clubs and sports teams.
    • Do you love music? Join the school choir or guitar club. Do you love soccer? Try out for the soccer team.
    • Clubs are a great way to nurture interests you already have, and a perfect outlet to meet people operating on a similar wavelength.
    • If you're really interested in something and there isn't already a club for it, start a school club yourself!
  2. If any of your teachers assign summer reading, don’t wait until the last minute—or worse, avoid reading it altogether. Try to knock it out in chunks throughout the summer so you’re finished and prepared for any assignments by the time school starts. Set yourself a daily minimum of pages to read so the books are finished before school starts. [12]
    • For example, you can count the number of pages in the books and divide the total number of pages by the days until school starts and use that number as your daily minimum that you need to read.
    • Summer reading doesn’t have to mess up or ruin your summer. Try reading a chapter or so every 2-3 days so you never feel overloaded.
  3. Hang out with friends that go to your school so your first day won’t be so nerve-wracking. You’ll be able to look for them on the first day, which can really help with any nervousness or anxieties that you have. Spend some time having fun together during your summer break. [13]
    • If you can’t physically hang out with your friends, try calling or video chatting with them. You could even play video games together to stay in touch .
    • Keep up with your friends on social media, if you have it, so you know how they’re doing and how their summer break is going.
  4. Look through your school supply lists and gather everything on it so you don’t have to scramble at the last minute. Choose folders, pens, and binders that you like and reflect your personality so you’re excited to use them at school. [14]
    • Get yourself a planner you can use to keep track of important dates and homework assignments. "I think everybody can use a planner," Pritchard says. "When you have the to-do list and then you finish a specific task and you cross it off, you definitely feel more accomplished because you can see all the things you've crossed off. And then you feel like you're actually getting things done."
  5. Look for a backpack with a color and design that you like. Make sure it’s big enough to hold all of your books and has lots of extra compartments for your school supplies. Try on a few backpacks to see how they fit and choose one with padded straps so it’s comfortable when it’s loaded up will of your school books and supplies. [15]
    • Check out the backpacks at your local school supply store or department store and try on a few to see how they feel.
    • You can also order backpacks online, but you won’t be able to try them on before you order them. However, you'll probably have at least a few weeks to return or exchange it if it's not a good fit.
    • Remember that you have to lug your backpack around every day, so it needs to be both stylish and comfortable.
  6. It’s always nice to come back home to a clean and organized room, so spend some time tidying up before school starts so you can relax and de-stress after your first day. Clear off your desk, put your clothes away, and run a vacuum over your carpet. You’ll also have an organized space to help you study during the school year. [16]
    • You might be surprised by how much clutter and junk you’ve accumulated during your summer break.
    • Spray some air freshener so it smells nice as well.
    • If you’re stressed or nervous, cleaning your room can help release some of your anxiety. [17]
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Section 4 of 4:

Remote Learning Tips

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  1. Find a nice, quiet area in your home where you can focus . Set up a desk and organize all of your school supplies and equipment such as computers so you’re able to use the space for your remote learning. [18]
    • For instance, you could use your kitchen table or a desk in your bedroom as your learning station.
    • Try to remove as many distractions as possible so you can focus on learning.
    • Keep the area clean and clutter-free so it’s dedicated to learning.
  2. Go through a normal morning routine like showering, brushing your teeth, and eating a tasty breakfast. Change out of your pajamas and put on a nice outfit to help focus your mind on the school day and make it easier for you to concentrate in your classes. [19]
    • Getting dressed like you’re going to school can tell your brain and body that it’s time to work, which can help you feel more motivated.
    • Besides, you want to look neat and professional, especially if you’re participating in a video chat with your teacher and classmates.
  3. If your school uses a learning management system (LMS) for virtual learning, spend some time navigating it and figuring out where things are. Look over the schedule and setup for your classes so you can organize your day, which can help you deal with any stress or anxiety you feel about school. [20]
    • Many LMS programs have tutorials that explain how to use it. Check them out so you’re a pro.
    • Follow any directions your teachers give you about your remote learning.
  4. Pick out a cool planner that you like and write down when your assignments and tests are due in it. Take a look at the planner everyday to get an idea of what you’ll be doing and to make sure you’re staying on top of everything in your classes. Anytime an assignment changes or a new one is added to your schedule, write it down in your planner. [21]
    • Planners come in a variety of layouts and designs, so you can choose a cool one that you actually like and want to use!
    • You can find planners at your local office supply store or department store. You can also order them online.
  5. Whether you’re using an LMS, following instructions from your teacher, or participating in a video conference with your teacher and classmates, try to participate as much as possible. Follow along, ask questions, and volunteer to answer questions from your teacher so you’re learning as much as you can, which can help if you’re worried about your grades or future tests. [22]
    • Remote learning may seem scary or overwhelming if it’s new to you, but don’t worry! If you participate as much as you can, pay attention, and ask your teacher for help when you’re lost, you’ll do great.
  6. Your teacher will give you homework and assignments for you to complete as part of your remote learning. Work to complete them on time so you’re keeping up with the coursework and you never feel overwhelmed. If you’re unsure about something, ask your teacher for help or clarification. [23]
    • For many teachers and students, remote learning is new, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re lost!
  7. Give your mind a break by standing up and walking around for 5 minutes or so every hour. Grab a sip of water and stretch to increase circulation. After your break, you may feel energized and focused enough to get back to work. [24]
    • Remember that because you don’t have the usual classroom breaks and lunch period of in-person school, you need to allow yourself time to take breaks and have snacks so you’re able to stay focused.
  8. If you’re confused about something or you’re having difficulty accessing a resource, send your teacher a message either through your LMS or by email. Explain your problem in detail, including anything you’ve already tried to fix.
    • Better to be safe and ask if you’re unsure about something so you don’t waste time or do something incorrectly.
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  • Question
    How many days should I be wearing a T-shirt before wearing a cleaner one?
    Drew Hawkins1
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    If you're active or you sweat in your shirt, you should change it every day so you don't smell. But if your shirt really isn't dirty, you can definitely get away with wearing it for 2-3 days, especially if it's a uniform shirt so nobody can tell you're wearing the same T-shirt.
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    I didn’t have a good experience on my last first day of school, so I’m really worried about this years. Is there anything I can do to deal with nerves?
    Drew Hawkins1
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    Absolutely. It sucks that your last experience wasn't fun, but you can definitely make this next one better. Try organizing all of your stuff and picking out your outfit the night before so you don't have to scramble in the morning. Set your alarm for an hour or so before you need to be at school so you have time to shower, eat breakfast, and do your hair and makeup (if you wear makeup). Remember that your first day is usually mostly about meeting your teachers and learning about your classes, so don't stress about having to do lots of schoolwork. It'll be over before you know it and you can chill out at home when you're finished.
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    So I have trouble in math going into 5th grade so I'm really worried if I'm gonna make good grades and not fail! How do I not worry?
    Drew Hawkins1
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    The good news is it's a whole new year! You can work to get good grades by starting off on the right foot. Introduce yourself to your math teacher on the first day and tell them that you're ready to learn. Try your best to pay attention and complete all of your assignments. If you're having trouble or you don't know how to do something, try asking your teacher for help. If you stay focused and dedicated, you will succeed!
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      • If a friend rides the bus with you and you have similar classes, try to stick with them. Two is always better than one!
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      • I find it easier to take a long shower or bath the night before and do all the things you need to take care of in the shower like washing your hair, shaving, etc. Even if you're a morning showerer, if you plan to using a heat tool to your hair, do it the night before and wear a shower cap in the shower the next day; that way, you'll have one less thing to do in the morning.
      • If your school offers an orientation day, an open house, or a meet-the-teacher day, try to go. You'll be less confused and overwhelmed on the first day. Or, if you're a new student, have your parents schedule a shadow day where you can follow another student around. That way, you'll see how things are set up.
      • Just relax and be yourself! If you are worried about something, take a deep breath and say to yourself, "I am brave, I am not afraid of anything." Say it three times to yourself. Also, if you're late to a class the first day, chances are they won't count it against you. Good luck and have fun.
      • Relax the night before with a friend who will be in your class for the year! Both of you, grab a piece of paper and write what you think school will be like separately. Don't show each other till after the first day of school. Whoever guesses the closest wins!
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      Warnings

      • If you’re worried about a bully or you feel threatened, talk to your parents or a guidance counselor at school. You don’t deserve to be mistreated, so reach out for help if you need to. [25]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/fashion-psychology/
      2. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/how-does-anxiety-affect-sleep
      3. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/talk-to-parents.html
      4. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/how-to-reset-your-sleep-routine
      5. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/back-to-school.html
      6. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/mindfulness/definition
      7. ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/06/cover-story-science-friendship
      8. ↑ https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/connecting-communicating/connecting/supporting-friendships
      9. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/breathing-exercises-for-stress/
      1. ↑ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190412094728.htm
      2. ↑ https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/what-is-academic-burnout/
      3. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
      4. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/making-good-friends.htm
      5. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/Checklist-for-the-First-Day-of-School.aspx
      6. ↑ https://thepedalproject.org/how-to-pick-right-backpack-size-fit/
      7. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment
      8. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/podcasts/health-essentials/decluttering-your-life-how-cleaning-and-mental-health-are-connected-with-dr-dawn-potter
      9. ↑ https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/find-a-quiet-place-to-study/
      10. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/hygiene-basics.html
      11. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/metacognitive-study-strategies/
      12. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-the-questions/201808/6-reasons-why-you-should-use-daily-planner
      13. ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/article/8-strategies-improve-participation-your-virtual-classroom/
      14. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
      15. ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/article/research-tested-benefits-breaks/
      16. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/bullies.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To prepare for the first day of school, pick out your outfit the night before so you don't have to stress about it in the morning. Also, pack your school bag in advance so you have everything you need, including binders, pens, and notebooks. Try to get 8 hours of sleep the night before so you're well rested, and wake up a little early so you don't have to rush. Before you head to school, shower and eat a healthy breakfast so you feel ready to start your first day. To learn how to have a great first day of school, scroll down!

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