It’s back to school time! To help you conquer the upcoming year, we prepared a list of ways to help you start off strong. Give your best every day, and follow these five tips to be on your A-game from day one:

1. Update Your Resume

Updating your resume should be done frequently. A good time to give it a checkup is right before the school year begins. If your resume needs more student activity, better grades, or if you need a few professors to list as references, you can actively work on accomplishing these tasks from the beginning.

2. Buy Essentials for Organization

Everyone has their own way of keeping homework and responsibilities organized. Some use a planner, others use desk calendars or keep a notebook on hand. Be prepared with whatever you need to stay organized for the first day of classes. Beginning the year with the materials you need will help you start off the year strong.

3. Recap Your Upcoming Semester

You may know your class schedule, but do you know what buildings/classrooms they are in? Do you know which professors you’ll have? Do a recap and study what your schedule is going to look like or take the day before classes to do a few walk-throughs. By doing this you can arrive to every class on time without getting lost. Also, research the professors you’ll be with for the upcoming semester. Gain insights on their expectations by asking classmates and friends about their experiences.

4. Find Fast and Easy Recipes

If your school year is going to be busy, have quick meals or snacks on-hand. Keep a stash of fast and easy recipes for when you’re on the go. Some potential items could include granola bars, lunch meat wraps, or peanut butter crackers.

5. Build a Timeline

What are your goals for the upcoming year? Build a timeline of when you need to begin accomplishing tasks such as applying for a job or internship, signing up to volunteer, or asking your professors to be a reference on your resume. For example, if you’re looking for a job for the summer, it’s best to start applying right after the new year starts. Make a note to begin searching once the festivities have died down.

By following these five tips, you’ll be ready to conquer any challenges a new school year can bring. Keep the end goal in sight, prioritize your assignments, and don’t forget to leave some time for fun.

From everyone here at Reynolds and Reynolds, good luck!