It’s that time of year again! Temperatures are starting to cool down, summer is ending, and school is getting ready to start back up! Time to begin preparing to return back to school. So, what do you need to do to get ready for the new year? This college back to school guide covers everything you need to know to prepare for the new school year ahead!

Step 1: Back to School Task List

Each semester, there is a pile of to-dos every student must complete. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Download the free back to school checklist (includes a packing list too!) to begin getting ready for a successful semester. I go over this list in detail in my Pre-Semester Checklist blog post HERE and I talk about my top 20 things to do the summer before you begin your freshman year HERE.

Related: How to Prepare for a Successful College Semester: A Pre-Semester Checklist

Step 2: College Move-In

Whether you’re a freshman moving into the dorms or an upperclassman moving into an apartment, you’ll probably have some packing to do. Check out THIS post to see what all you should bring and what all you must not forget! 

Be sure to move in during the designated time on campus, and at least a few days, preferably a week in advance, when moving off campus. A great way to get settled in is to explore your town! Go to a new cafe or take a walk in a new park. Also be sure to spend some quality time with your roommates. Getting comfortable with your surroundings will ease the anxiety of moving into a new location.

Related: The Ultimate College Packing List and Tips for a Successful Move

Step 3: Learn the Top Tips for an Amazing New School Year

With each year brings its own new challenges and opportunities. Use these to your advantage! Create all new goals, friendships, and explore new career possibilities! Here are my top tips for a successful new year:

• Keep up your grades!
• Prepare for your semester a week in advance with your free checklist (download above).
• Research top study tips and study motivation hacks
• Make at least one new friend.
• Always keep finals week on your radar!
• Start your own blog to bring in some extra cash! 
• Join a new club. Or better yet, join a new professional organization on campus (such as the American Society of Civil Engineers). This will help you make new friends, beef up your resume dramatically, increase your network, and better your chances of getting an internship and landing a job later on! 
• Start your essays and large project assignments early.
• Create new school year goals, and stick to them!
• Look into studying abroad, the sooner you look into it the better! 
• Take amazing class notes from day one.
• If you’re in graduate school, stay up to date with the best tips and resources to help you out.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Studying for an Exam

Step 4: Learn the Top Tips for New Students

College Freshmen

If it’s your first year of college, I bet you’re getting so excited! But also possibly a bit nervous. Be sure to check out my Ultimate Freshman Survival Guide to know what to expect and what to get done before you head to your first year at school. There is so much to look forward to and so many great opportunities just waiting around the corner!

Related: The Ultimate Freshman Survival Guide

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Transfer Students

Transferring to a new school can be a bit intimidating. I would know, I am transferring as we speak! But, this process does not have to be stressful! Here are my top tips for transfer students: 

• Take some time to get to know your new campus. Walk around the buildings and take an official tour. Even try to track down your first few classrooms!
• Be sure all of your credits have been transferred successfully. Check with your new registrar office and online portal.
• Join a new club and get involved with campus activities! This is a quick and easy way to make new friends and connections.
• Finally, be open to new opportunities and possibilities. You never know what might come knocking!

Related: 22 Game-Changing Back to School Organization Hacks You Have to Try!

Step 5: Get Organized

In addition to tackling the pre-semester task list, a great way to be more prepared for the new school year is to get organized! Be sure you are not only completely moved in, but prepared for what the first week of classes has to offer. This may involve organizing a paper or digital planner, writing out your class assignments, or just planning out your next month.

Related: 26 Smarter Ways to Make Sure Your Summer Break is Productive

Step 6: Enjoy the Ride

Finally, be sure to step back for a moment to enjoy the ride! Carve out some time for yourself to go have some fun! Hang out with friends, go see a movie, go for a hike… whatever you choose to do, be sure you are enjoying the last few days off from school! Because we all know it’s about to get a bit crazy!

Heading back to school? Check out my Ultimate Back-to-School Printable Bundle!

Further Reading

Looking for some more great back to school organization and related content? Check out these great posts:

• Everything You Need To Do Before a Successful Semester
• 63 Study Tips that will Skyrocket your GPA
• Backpack Essentials: Everything You NEED to have with you at school
• The Ultimate College Packing List
• 17 Brilliant Ways to Save Money on Dorm Essentials
• 11 Clever Tips that Will Save You CRAZY Money on Textbooks

There you have it, my six steps for preparing to return back to school! I know, each step may have quite a few more steps in between but, much like the pirate code, they’re more like guidelines really… have fun and let’s make this next school year the best one yet!

Check out the Ultimate Back to School Preparation Task List!