Back to School: advice I wish I had before my last first day

After a long, exciting summer, the back to school season can feel quite daunting. One moment you’re enjoying the freedom of summer with your friends, and the next you’re staring at deadlines, exam papers and dark early mornings.

FYI: this article has been written by Adjoa, a graduate from The BRIT School and member of our teen community.

After 13 years of ‘back to schools' in September, I finally feel like I have cracked the code.

Preparing prior, both physically and mentally, can make the transition a lot smoother and set you up for an amazing school year.

Check out these tips to help you prepare, from a student who recently graduated from The BRIT School!

Physically preparing

Stock up on essentials: This is key. Make sure you have all your school supplies ready: pens, notebooks, planners, calculators - anything you'd grab for when studying or taking notes. Starting organised sets a good tone for the year.
Skincare & simple makeup: healthy skin can boost your confidence tenfold. A consistent skincare routine and small touches, like a highlighter, or indu’s pH lip oil on both lips and cheeks, could give you that little boost of confidence. Make sure to apply SPF50+ daily, even as the days start to get cloudier and shorter. It's important to protect your skin from UV rays every day.
Take care of your body: that means getting 8-10 hours of quality sleep, keeping hydrated with 2-3 litres of water a day, and regular movement will help you to feel alert and ready for the day.
It’s essential to remember that physical wellbeing really impacts your focus and energy. Make sure to give your body breaks and be kind to yourself.

Mentally & emotionally

Build confidence: school can feel intimidating after a long break. You’ll be mingling with new people, plus there's likely to be harsh deadlines, challenging work and more. Being self-confident is about trusting yourself and having faith in your abilities.
Set realistic goals: whether these goals are revision-based or for personal growth, all in all, having clear goals helps to keep you motivated. Set the standard at the beginning of the year - try and be organised from day one, but if you mess up, don’t beat yourself up about it. It’s never too late to adjust your approach.
Balance is key: make sure to pace yourself, eat well, get enough rest, but also give yourself breaks. Having a well-balanced routine helps you stay focused without burning out.

Staying focused throughout the year

Consistency over intensity: Building smaller daily practices, like reviewing notes often, completing assignments on time and sticking to a skincare/self-care routine, add up. Try and stay consistent with smaller habits consistently rather than biting off more than you can chew, which can lead to burnout.
Mind and body alignment: taking care of your physical health is so beneficial for your mental health. This means having healthy meals, hydrating regularly, doing regular exercise and having moments of mindfulness can help you to manage stress. Try and practice mindfulness or take time away from social media and devices to stay grounded.
Confidence boosters: it's the little things. For example, using your favourite pen, or wearing a bag with your favourite keyring on it can help you feel more composed, confident and ready for class.

It’s important to start the year feeling confident, organised and ready. With the right preparation, both physically and mentally, you can start any new school term feeling confident in yourself and what you can do, to set you up for an amazing year ahead.

Good luck!