The start of the school year can be exciting, but also a little anxiety-inducing. New subjects, new teachers, and perhaps new classmates – it's worth preparing well for all of this. Here are seven ideas on how to make the upcoming school year as successful and pleasant as possible for yourself.
Set your goals
Before you head to school, consider what you want to achieve this year. This could be related to academic results, hobbies, or personal development. Setting goals helps you focus and provides motivation to work hard. It's also a good idea to create an attractive vision board with various pictures to glance at from time to time.
Take time to adjust and rest
The first few weeks at school can be intense as you need to adapt to a new rhythm. Take your time to adjust, and don't worry too much if everything isn't perfect right from the start. Give yourself time, find moments to rest, and do activities in your free time that recharge and restore you.
Create a calm learning environment
Your home study environment plays a big role in how you do your schoolwork. Create a calm and comfortable place where you can study without distractions. Try different study strategies, such as making mind maps, taking notes, or working in groups. Developing study strategies helps you grasp material better and prepare more effectively for tests. Also, learn to take breaks – for example, 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. This approach helps prevent burnout and keeps your mind fresh.
Pay attention to health
Good physical and mental health is the foundation of a successful school year. Eat healthily, get enough sleep, find time for physical activity and being with loved ones. Additionally, Tartu Youth Work Center offers a free counselor and youth workers who will listen and help if you need it.
Be active
School doesn't have to mean just classes and homework. If possible, take part in extracurricular activities, be it sports, music, art, or some hobby group. This helps you make new friends, develop various skills, and make school life much more interesting. There are also youth centres where you can participate in various leisure activities and make friends.
Communicate with an open mind
Communication is very important. Be friendly and open to new acquaintances. With good communication skills, you can resolve conflicts and find support when you need it. It's also a good idea to find a study buddy to learn and do homework with. Studying together can be much more motivating than studying alone.
Be kind to yourself
It's important to remember that not everything always goes exactly as we wish, and that's perfectly normal. Be kind to yourself and understand that failures and difficulties are part of learning and growing. If something doesn't work out, don't blame yourself too much – take it as an opportunity to learn and develop. The most important thing is to maintain a positive attitude and move forward, knowing that every challenge makes you stronger.
The start of the school year might seem a bit daunting, but if you take these tips into account, you'll be ready for any challenges. Have a successful and enjoyable school year!
Article author Kristina Kraani
