by Shada A. | Kickstand Youth Council
No matter how many years you’ve been around, back to school season can be both exciting and stressful! Check out these tips written by Shada from the Kickstand Provincial Youth Action Council. You’ll be feeling ready to take on the year in no time!
1. Get to know your surroundings!
Set aside a time – whether you need an hour or a day – to tour your school! Prior to the beginning of classes to scout out all the need to know locations and your classrooms to eliminate unnecessary first day nerves.
2. Keep things organized!
Find a way to keep track of and organize all your assignments for the semester to ensure no due dates are missed. I recommend an assignment tracking spreadsheet – there are a lot of examples out there of how to make one. I use this one from @itsdak_ on TikTok!
3. Don’t be afraid to talk to new people!
Making new friends can be quite daunting, but the first few weeks of the semester is the best time to do this. Compliment the shoes of the person behind you in line or lean over and start a conversation with the person next to you. Take that chance – because a lot of people are probably feeling the same as you!
4. Explore the various clubs and opportunities available!
Use your school website or social media to check out the various clubs or opportunities to get involved around school! You could also check out any bulletin boards around campus to see what’s available as well. This is another great way to meet new people as well as to explore your various interests within and outside your area of studies.
5. Remember to make time for self care!
The busyness of post-secondary can often get overwhelming so scheduling time for self care is super important. Whether that be taking some time away from school work throughout the week to catch up with friends or scheduling time for hobbies throughout the week. Make sure to take book time into your schedule to fill up your cup and recharge to tackle the week!
Learn more about what self-care really is and how to make it work for you here.
6. Research the available support services ahead of time.
Even if you think you won’t ever need them, it’s always good to know what kind of help is available both on and off campus. Just in case you do need it one day, or if one of your friends is looking for support. Whether it’s the peer support centre, university health clinic, or counselling services – make a little mental note so that you’re ready for whatever the year throws at you.
Of course, Kickstand Connect is always here for you!
