It’s that time of year again to start another school year! We understand that being a middle or high school student is challenging. With so many responsibilities, some students may not have the life experience needed to figure out the best ways to study, get involved, or prepare for classes. Here are some back-to-school tips to help students explore new ways to overcome challenges and develop a plan to stay on track with their goals.

1. Create a Routine and Stick to It

Developing a daily routine will keep you refreshed and focused as you tackle your course load. This routine will vary depending on your grade level, school, extracurriculars, and any other commitments you have throughout the day (such as a part-time job). This may seem like common sense, but developing a routine that works for you is an art! Getting into the groove may take some time, but adding a little structure to your day can help.

Here’s a few tips for creating a daily routine:

• Set a designated time to wake up, get dressed, and eat breakfast.
• Follow your class schedule during the day, attending every class and activity.
• Remain committed to your extracurriculars, but understand that there are limitations to what you can realistically take on in one day.
• Avoid overloading yourself; communicate with your coach or program director if there are conflicts.
• Plan time in the evening to work on homework, projects, test prep, or college applications.
• Set a designated bedtime to ensure you get plenty of sleep each night.

2. Make a To-Do List

We recommend setting goals for each day, month, and year. This to-do list may include homework, chores, healthy habits, test prep, creative projects, goals, or other items you plan to accomplish during a specific time frame. Start small by writing down your daily plans, and see if it helps boost your productivity. This will help you stay on track and better measure your daily successes. It’s also a lot of fun!

3. Create a Distraction-Free Study Space

Find a quiet, clean space within your home to sit while studying or working on homework. If complete silence is hard to find, use headphones to drown out any background noise. Avoid sitting on the couch or in bed, as this may cause you to become sleepy or hold your body in uncomfortable and awkward positions. We recommend sitting at a desk or your kitchen table. Grab a comfortable chair with adequate back and neck support to avoid discomfort.  If you can’t focus in your room, explore other options. Coffee shops, libraries, and empty fast-food restaurants with free WiFi can also serve as study spaces.

4. Keep Track of Deadlines

As a high school student, you have a lot on your mind. That’s why we recommend you write down your deadlines in one place. In addition to homework due dates, your school planner should include your test prep schedule, upcoming test dates, and extracurricular activities. Try writing things down, and if that doesn’t work for you, explore free digital planning tools like Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Trello, or other popular tools.

5. Stay Ahead

When starting new classes, it’s important to remember that your outlook on the school year can impact your performance. It’s easier to earn a good grade if you do your best from the start rather than falling behind and playing catch up later in the semester. Mentally prepare yourself to put your best foot forward in the first half of the semester and stay ahead as long as possible. You may be surprised by how far you’ll go.

6. Communicate with Family and Friends

Spending time and making memories with your loved ones is important, especially during high school. However, it’s crucial to balance this with your academic goals. Often, your friends and family will understand if you need to prioritize your homework. We suggest sharing your schedule with them so they can support you and plan activities around your commitments. It’s also important to be considerate of their time—remember that your parents are also busy! Learning to manage your time effectively now will benefit you in college and beyond.

7. Take-A-Break

Some students may find it difficult to focus on studying. Staying focused can be challenging even after scheduling dedicated time for it. If this resonates with you, consider pairing the task of studying with something enjoyable to trick your mind into being more engaged. Take breaks to do things you love after every hour of studying. For example, after an hour of studying for a math test, reward yourself with a favorite snack, a short walk, or an episode of your favorite show. Breaking up study sessions can prevent mental fatigue and help you avoid procrastination. However, it’s important to manage your breaks intentionally and ensure that the task justifies the reward. For instance, one hour of studying shouldn’t lead to four hours of TV.

8. Find Ways to Manage Stress

For some teens, the school year can be incredibly stressful. According to a 2014 study by the American Psychological Association, teenagers reported that their stress levels during the school year were far above what they considered healthy. If you feel overwhelmed by stress, it might be time to take a step back, breathe deeply, and assess your emotions. Sometimes, stress can become too much for us to handle alone. There is no shame in seeking help. If you need assistance managing stress and don’t know where to turn, consider taking advantage of the free counseling services YOS provides.

9. Ask for Help

If you realize you’re starting to struggle, don’t hesitate to ask for help! Take the time to build a relationship with your teachers so that you feel comfortable approaching them when you need clarification on a subject or extra guidance with a school project or essay. Your teachers are knowledgeable in the subjects and are there to assist you in your learning journey. If you’re unable to speak to them directly after class, consider sending them an email, visiting them before or after school, or arranging a time to address any difficulties you’re having one-on-one.  Seeking assistance early gives you a greater chance of catching up before midterms or finals.  Remember, the sooner you ask for help, the better.

10. Get Involved

How you spend time outside of school is an important part of your school experience. Many sports and student organizations, such as band or drama club, seek new participants each year. Don’t be afraid to try something new! However, being mindful of your ability to handle multiple commitments is crucial. Learning to manage your time effectively will be key as you balance school and extracurricular activities. Keep in mind that as your courses become more challenging, you will need to decide which ones you enjoy the most.