How to Prepare for the First Day of School

It’s that time of year again, backpacks are coming out, alarms are being set, and students are heading back to school for a new year. Whether you’re a student getting ready on your first day, a teacher setting up your classroom, or a parent helping your child prepare, the first day can feel like a lot to manage. As I head into my senior year of college, I’ve gathered some helpful tips that have helped me prepare for the first day of school, along with some advice from parents and teachers I know. Here are some tips to help you start the year off on the right foot and make that first day just a bit easier.

Students

1. Adjust Your Sleep Schedule

Summer is often filled with late nights, whether it’s scrolling through social media, hanging out with friends, or gaming into the early hours with your online besties. But as the school year approaches, it’s a good idea to start shifting your sleep schedule to better fit the life of a student. About one to two weeks before classes begin, try heading to bed at a reasonable hour and waking up around the same time you would for school. It might feel tough at first, but after a week or two, your body will adjust, and that first morning back will feel much easier. A good night’s sleep doesn’t just help you wake up on time; it boosts your focus, mood, and energy for the entire day. Starting the year well-rested sets you up to feel more alert, confident, and ready to take on new challenges from day one!

2. Get To Know Your Class Schedule

From early elementary school to graduate studies, your class schedule shapes your entire year. In elementary school, reviewing your schedule looks a little different; you’re still learning the basics. Your teachers will guide you through set times for reading, science, social studies, and math, helping you build the foundation for intermediate school.

Middle school is often the first time you manage your own schedule, which can feel a little intimidating at first. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Teachers are more than happy to point you in the right direction if you get lost. You can also connect with classmates in your homeroom; chances are, you’ll share several classes with them, and navigating the halls together can make things much easier. Who knows? You might even make a lifelong friend along the way.

High school students, you now have the opportunity to choose many of the classes you take, so make those choices count. When planning your schedule, consider whether you’d like to challenge yourself with honors, AP, or dual-credit courses. If you’re interested in joining an extracurricular activity or club, check which period it meets to make sure it won’t conflict with your core classes. And remember, your guidance counselors are an excellent resource. They can help you balance your schedule, explore new opportunities, and keep you on track for graduation.

College students have the freedom to choose which classes to take and when to take them. Your academic advisors will guide you on the required courses to fulfill your degree requirements, but beyond that, you get to decide which classes fit your interests and goals. During my first year at the University of Texas, I carefully followed my degree plan while also selecting courses that satisfied core and flag requirements. This strategy made completing my degree audit easier and gave me the chance to explore classes that genuinely interested me, just for credit!

3. Have Fun Before Heading Back!

Once school starts, it can be tough to balance focusing on your studies and making time for fun. Before classes begin, take some time to enjoy yourself with friends and family, whether that’s a trip to an amusement park, an arcade night, or a relaxing hangout or sleepover. Doing something fun and meaningful for yourself before the busy school year kicks off is important for starting fresh and recharged. For the past few years, my friends and I have made it a tradition to go to Chili’s before the school year begins. It’s one of our favorite spots, and sharing chips and salsa while digging into a Triple Dipper is definitely my favorite way to kick off the new school year.

Parents

As a parent, preparing for the first day of school can be both emotional and stressful. Watching your little ones grow, whether it’s their very first day or the next step in their educational journey, brings a mix of excitement and nerves. While I’m not a parent myself, I’ve been fortunate to learn from loving parents and many others who have shared their best tips for getting ready. Here are the top three ways parents can prepare for a smooth and successful first day of school.

1. Wait to Buy School Supplies

Many parents have found that waiting to buy school supplies until after the first day of school is quite beneficial. Buying a bunch of supplies before the school year starts can have either a positive or negative outcome. Some students may not need certain supplies, may require a different style, or some supplies might get pushed off until the next year. Teachers usually make it clear on the first day what supplies are needed for their class, so waiting to see their list before shopping can save you money and be very helpful. Send your little ones to school with the basic pens, pencils, and journals, and have them get a list or talk to their teacher about what they need.

2. Meal Prepping

Meal prepping can be a huge help, not just for students, but for everyone! Even as a college student, meal prepping makes my week a little easier. Several moms have told me it simplifies packing lunches for the week as well. If you’re unsure what meals to prepare, TikTok and Texas Tasty offer plenty of recipe ideas to get you started. One of my former high school teachers shared her meal prep routine: she prepares three meals on Sunday and then makes the final two meals on Wednesday. As for me, one of my favorite childhood lunches was a dinosaur-shaped sandwich with chips, and it will always be my go-to comfort meal. Take some inspiration from my childhood favorite or try out some new recipes to create your own meal prep routine!

3. Fresh Start Essentials

Many parents say that heading back to school with a fresh new look is one of the best ways to start the year. New year, new outfits! There are plenty of deals at local retail shops and malls that make shopping for multiple kids easier. Growing up, I attended a middle school with a uniform policy. My mom would take me to stores like Target, H&M, and Old Navy to pick out polos and khakis for school. When I moved on to high school and dress code switched to free dress, I enjoyed expressing myself through my outfits. Good clothes are great, but a nice haircut can make a big difference too. Starting the school year with a fresh cut or even just a trim can help kids and parents feel special on the first day. Once the kids are freshened up, it’s time to focus on the bedrooms and the house. My mom always made me clean my room before school started. After a long first day, coming home to a clean space can be mentally comforting and help create a clear headspace.

Teachers

Teachers are some of the hardest-working people out there. They create a space where children can learn, grow, and express themselves as they get older and wiser. I’ve had teachers who’ve made a huge impact on my life, and I wouldn’t be the student or person I am today without them. Some of my former teachers and friends who are educators have shared their top tips on how they prepare for the school year.

1. Having Copies Printed Early and Supplies Ready to Go

Every teacher I spoke with for this blog said the same thing: have your copies and supplies ready at least one to two weeks before school starts. The first day of school often brings a wave of stress and anxiety, but one way to stay in control is to prepare early. The copy machine on day one can feel like a Black Friday sale, hectic, chaotic, and slow. Save yourself the anxiety by getting organized ahead of time. Start labeling desks, folders, and cubbies as soon as you have access to your classroom. Have the first two weeks of assignments printed and ready before they get lost or damaged. Also, keep pencils sharpened! My high school teachers often had golf pencils on standby for quick use.

2. Having Your First Week Planned Out

Having a solid weekly schedule can benefit anyone, especially teachers during the first day and week of school. While the start of the year often brings many changes, planning your lessons, announcements, and tasks in advance can make things much more manageable and help keep everything on track. Although school assignments and curriculum are the main focus, planning your personal week is just as important. Whether it’s meal prepping, organizing carpool arrangements for your kids, or carving out time to decompress, having these plans in place ahead of time can make that first week a lot easier. One teacher I spoke with shared that she writes out her week by hand so she can visually see what tasks need to get done, what meals she plans to have, and the set times and due dates for assignments, just in case something slips her mind during this busy week.

3. Self-Reflection and Relaxation

Now for the most important tip of all: self-reflection and relaxation. This advice applies to everyone heading back to school, but it’s especially crucial for teachers. The start of a new school year can bring a lot of stress and pressure, so it’s important to take time to check in with yourself mentally and emotionally. Give yourself permission to pause and recharge. Whether that means meditating, praying, going for a walk, grabbing coffee with friends, shopping at your favorite stores, or treating yourself to a spa day, make sure to carve out moments that help you relax and decompress. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being before the busy year begins will help you start strong, stay balanced, and be your best for yourself and your students.

Final Thoughts

Heading back to school can be stressful, but I hope these tips help students, teachers, and parents navigate the first day of school and the upcoming year with confidence. As I prepare to start my final year of college, I’m planning to take some time for self-reflection and of course, pack my classic dinosaur-shaped sandwich with chips for my last first day! Wishing everyone a great, fun, and safe school year ahead. Here’s to making it your best one yet!