College starts next Monday and for some reason the notion of going into a different campus with a lot of different students is hitting hard. Part of this may be because I had my induction yesterday and sitting in my form room with a lot of students from different schools and cohorts of life made it all seem too real.
Like these are my future class mates for at least the next 1.5 almost 2 years. Also, everyone in my form is super smart and outgoing and confident. Which is great to see but also kind of intimidating, because, I tend to over think stuff and never end up saying what I actually wanted to say.
Anyways, induction went super well. I adore my form tutor and how funny she and my form are. Also, I am excited for the new routine and the timetable. Meeting new people and becoming comfortable with your peers and teachers is also a somewhat adventurous aspect of starting college.
College starts in 4 days, at the time of me writing this blog post, so, here’s a list of 5 things every student should do before college starts.
Also don’t worry if your college/ school has already started. You still have time to do these things.
Here we go.
#1 Get Organised
By organisation, I don’t really mean getting your school bag ready and filling your daily planner days ahead of school starting. The school days may look a lot different than what you have imagined. So put your planner on the hold and don’t start making a strict break down of your day.
By getting organized I mean, sort out your study space. Get it cleaned, put away the paper or books that have piled over the summer.
For me a lot lip glosses and gift cards have been sitting on my study table for a while. And it’s looking pretty daunting. Hence, I am going to clean that out later today. (editer me: It didn’t get cleaned that day 😅)
Also, I organized my room and my wardrobe ahead of college starting so I can go into my academic year with a clearer headspace and zero organizing responsibilities.
Read how cluttering can affect your mental health here
Because your girl gotta be stress free, at least the first week.
By the way look through your school’s academic calendar ahead of time. Usually, they are already published on the school website. It’s a good idea to be able to visualize certain events ahead of time and making a note of important dates and deadlines.
I’d say it’s your queue to whip out that planner I made you set aside earlier.
#2 Buy Essential School Supplies
Okay this one is definitely very obvious and well-practiced across the world, but cute school supplies can actually make a big difference.
I never really believed in cute school supplies and color-coordinating things until last year. Nice, colorful and functional supplies on Pinterest had me in a choke hold at the start of year 11.
Also make sure you get good quality pens. Just basic pens, because functionality and smooth writing is the key in an exam or even generally.
Another good investment is a bendy ruler.
A) It never breaks
B) It is a great toy/ stress reliever during class
Honestly, I was playing with my ruler during my GCSE exams. Fidgeting with it in the middle of Math or Chemistry exam and 9 others when the questions started to pick up the intensity.
Many colleges around UK and certainly mines, advises to bring paper, so getting paper of the right weight and thickness would be nice. Although not necessary by any means. Any paper would do. I do want to make preservable notes on a high quality paper, so I don’t waste my time making notes over and over.
Actually, who am I kidding, I rarely make notes. But if you like making good notes, I’d say get good refillable notepads.
College tends to give out a lot of files and folders but having a day folder is also a good idea as well. I really like how Ray Amjad organizes his folder. The idea is to carry one file with dividers in it. And clear plastic wallets further dividing it for class and homework. And also keeping a bunch of paper at the front of the folder.
#3 Review College / School Syllabus
Since year 8 in high school, I have developed the habit of looking over the class syllabus for each subject and then going over the first couple of topics. Which doesn’t mean you should go and do research and spend hours studying it. Watch a video or two or visiting BBC Bitesize to check out the topics would do.
This way, I familiarize myself with the topics as well as note-down any prior queries.
It is recommended not to do extensive research or go too deep into a topic before the in-person class. This is because it is hard to erase the mis-conceptions later on. Which we definitely don’t need!
Generally, it’s nice to go into a place knowing what you will be doing or getting into anyways.
And whilst you are at that, look over the extracurricular you might want to sign up to when school or college starts.
When I was at enrolment, I didn’t know what enrichments my college offered which was not the best action plan because I was asked by teacher what I wanted to do. And I had no answer.
Later I did have a look and I found that there was a lot the college offered and some that I would love to do.
I am definitely going to the netball and badminton clubs and also the pottery club.
#4 Brush Up On Some Core Skills
Following on from the last point, brushing up on some core skills, which by now might be very rusty, is a good idea.
I have been rotting away the whole summer.
By the way, no regrets about that.
I think it’s time for me to, go over some older knowledge. I have a feeling that we will be tested in the first few weeks.
And honestly, I need to be more cautious because doing 4 A levels was not suggested by many teachers. And the course confirmer told me they’ll be monitoring my progress closely.
Therefore, the last few days, I am going to lock in and put in some effort to improve my problem solving skills.
Here’s a list of things I will be doing:
(Feel free to do the same )
- 1. Go over some past papers for my chosen subjects
- 2. Figure out what topics are the weakest and go over them (videos or articles)
- 3. Look over the A-level specification and see what topics come first
- 4. Create an A-level work flow plan
#5 Figure Out The Transport
Lastly, if like me, you are travelling by bus most days. I’d say plan out bus routes that you can take in different circumstances. For example, if the bus gets delayed by a lot. And if it breaks down some day. Or if the college starts late and you were in a different area to your usual spot.
I am absolutely horrible with public transport and if it weren’t for my brother, I’d be in a “long lost and presumably never returned” kind of situation.
Hence, just yesterday, after induction I hopped on a bus with my friend and traced a route back home. Also, if it weren’t for my friend, I would’ve made us walk a good 15 minutes for no reason.
So definitely go find out, new bus routes. But whilst you are at it, make sure you have enough data and a fully charged phone, ready to call a parent or a friend if you get lost.
Ending this on ab hopeful note that everyone has a great start to school or college. Or if yours have already started I hope it’s going great!
Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Raniya