5 Back to School Tips

Unpopular opinion: going back to school is my favorite. Organizing a blank planner? Reunions with friends? Everything about this season is the best. I’m in my junior year of college, and I’m already wishing the time would slow down. I’m definitely not an expert, but today I have five back to school tips that will hopefully make your life a little easier! Whether you’re in high school or college, I hope you can use at least one of these tips in your day-to-day life.

1. Find a planning system you love.

I am a paper planner girl through and through, but I’m incredibly picky. For the past few years I’ve used a bullet journal, and this year I’m actually using a planner. A few of my friends swear by using Google Calendars or online systems. No matter what, find a system you’ll love… and actually stick to. Coming to college, I was overwhelmed with the sheer amount of different plans I had every day. Being able to look at my planner and see exactly what was happening when always calmed me down.

2. Keep a checklist.

This tip may seem obvious, but it saved me freshman year. I kept a list on my dorm mirror so I could check it before I went to class. It included what color notebook and book I should have for each day… plus it included a few reminders that I probably shouldn’t have needed. Like “remember to wear contacts”. It is truly embarrassing how many times I forgot complete basics… My checklist saved me!

3. Choose a uniform.

Obviously, this isn’t necessary! But going from a private high school where I had to wear a uniform to college where I had tons of options created yet another new element. The general style varies from campus to campus – Auburn University is a big fan of Nike shorts and Comfort Colors t-shirts! Whether you want to look cute for class or you choose comfy clothes, having a general go-to uniform takes away any thinking in the morning. My “uniform”? Shorts – fabric, denim, or Nike – and a solid colored shirt. Of course, I add my favorite accessories.

4. Make time for what brings you joy.

I’ve talked a lot about joy on the blog recently – because it’s so important to me! I like to think of what brings me joy and prioritize my schedule based on that. For me, three things bring me the most joy and therefore have high priority: strengthening my faith, spending time with friends, and working out. I prioritize these three activities and make sure that when I have free time, I’m not wasting it. Life in college (and high school) is busy enough – prioritize what is actually joyful and life-giving, and you’ll find you have more time than you thought.

5. Find productive pockets of time.

For me, some days are so busy I feel like I don’t have a minute to myself while others feel like I have all the time in the world. I try to find “productive pockets of time”, or those little half hour blocks where you aren’t sure what to do, so you just watch Netflix. Instead of wasting that time, I think of what I could be doing then that would be most productive. Some days, it’s really best to spend that time relaxing. Others, though, you can fill with those little assignments that don’t take too long but need to be done. If you’re a blogger, those thirty minutes are awesome for reading and commenting on other blog posts!

So, do you have any back to school tips I should know?! I’d love to know in the comments below!

xoxo, Cecilia