If you cling to summer like I do, this time of year tends to feel strange. It’s almost like waking up from a nap. You’ve been relaxing for a while, and suddenly you’re back in the real world. It's back to school and classes, and the only thing left of summer lives in your memory. The transition from summer vacation to school can be tough, but these five tips can help keep you motivated as you shed your summer skin and get back into a routine.
Keep a planner
This is probably one of the oldest tricks in the book, but it works wonders! When you’re coming back from a vacation, it can feel like there’s a ton of things to do and not enough time. A planner can help you make sense of things. Planners can also serve as a motivational tool. When you write something down, you’re more likely to remember to do it. Plus, it always feels nice when you cross something you’ve completed off your to-do list. So be sure to write all your important dates and deadlines in your planner as soon as you know them.
Related: Why Every College Student Should Keep a Planner
Set alarms
Don’t just set alarms to wake up for school or class; set them for other things as well. Since you’ll already be up to turn the alarm off, you might as well get productive! For example, set alarms for the naps you take between or after class, or to limit your homework breaks. Saving daily alarms according to your schedule will ensure you don't sleep through or miss anything important (as long as your phone is charged!).
Form study groups
Studying in groups can sometimes be better than studying alone because there are people to hold you accountable and make sure you stay focused. Also, you’ll have people to turn to if you get sick and miss a class. It’s also a great way to make friends in your classes. If you're learning online, it's easy to create virtual study groups using Zoom or Google Hangouts.
Related: Video: Adjusting to Online Learning
Put reminders where you know you’ll see them
This is kind of like keeping a planner, but it takes it a step further. If you have a lot of really important assignments coming up, write them down on Post-it notes and stick them to places that you visit often. For example, let’s say I have a midterm paper due in two weeks. Since I’m always on my computer, I’d write the assignment down on a sticky note and put it just below my keyboard. That way, as soon as I open my computer, I’m reminded of everything I need to get done. You can stick these little reminders on your desk, binder, mirror—wherever you will see them easily!
Set up a reward system
School can be tough sometimes, and you definitely deserve to treat yourself! Try setting up a system in which you reward yourself for the work you get done. It doesn’t have to be a large reward, just something you know you’ll enjoy. Say things like “I’ll have my favorite snack once I finish a couple of chapters,” or “I’ll watch an episode of my favorite show once I finish this rough draft.” If you don’t complete the task, don’t sweat it. There’s no need to feel like you don’t deserve the reward—just try again next time.
Related: 5 Smart Study Tips for All Students
It's always hard to go from summer vacation brain to back-to-school mode, but hopefully these tips make the transition a little easier. Whether you're learning in person, online, or both this year, you'll be on your way to creating a successful routine—even if it takes a little while to adjust!
Looking for more back-to-school advice? Check out How to Make Back-to-School Season So Much Easier and other great content in our Majors and Academics section!
