Back to school season has officially arrived! Since you’re a freshman, you might be feeling a little nervous about starting high school. You’re moving schools, changing classes, and meeting new teachers and classmates. But, don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Whether you are aiming to make new friends, get straight A’s or simply survive, this list will make sure that you’re prepared for the year!
- A good backpack
Everyone needs a backpack! By now, you’ve probably used yours for a couple years, and it is the time for a switch! You’ll be carrying around way more stuff now that you’re a high schooler, and it’s super important that you can store all of that in one place. Trust me, you do not want to be walking around with your english homework and spill your Starbucks all over it!
Aim to buy a high-quality backpack that can last a couple of years! You’ll be using it all the time so it’s important that you get one that won’t fall apart by the second semester. It’s good to splurge a bit when it comes to this part, and buying one that is also waterproof is also a big plus!
When it comes to the color, I would recommend going for simple colors, for example, white, black, navy, and gray. It will also be useful if your backpack has many compartments, because that helps you organize your stuff and prevent you from losing them.
- School supplies
Good school supplies are essential for a good year! However, make sure to not go overboard. Or else you may end up with a pile of them collecting dust in your closet.
You’ll likely only need ten items: pencils, pens, highlighters, coloring marketings, scissors, glue, a binder, extra paper, whiteout, tape, and erasers. With this list, you won’t be overwhelmed by the amount of things and be well prepared for your classes.
Visit Japanese stationary stores for good quality supplies. Japanese stationery is famous for their designs and are super cute. As a bonus, you can also buy some adorable Washi tape to decorate your locker!
- A planner
To-do lists are a gigantic lifesaver when you have a busy schedule! Even if you aren’t someone who likes to plan ahead, you should still get one and try it out! You definitely don’t want to forget the date of your science test or your next track practice. Planning your day saves you stress and gives you more time!
Choose a planner that is simple and something that you like! It should be easy to use and straightforward, a weekly planner is what I use the most. A distracting design will discourage you from using it, so avoid complicated planners that confuse you.
Moreover, try to stick with it! You may want to give up, but learning time-management will help you so much in the long run. I never enjoyed planning ahead when I was younger, but it’s really important for you to learn. If you develop this habit, you will be thanking yourself in the future.
- An emergency kit
Let’s face it, accidents happen. You never know what’s going to happen, so preparing for them will save you when things get out of hand. An emergency kit should consist of everything that you’ll need on a short notice, like extra clothing, necessities for that time of the month, bandages, medication, and food. Aside from that, you can also keep a separate bag for makeup touch-ups if you’re someone who uses it.
You can store all of these in a bag and keep it inside your backpack or locker. It doesn’t have to be anything big or flashy, as long as it has what you need, then you’re set.
- A healthy mindset
Last but not least, your mindset is super important when it comes to high school. Keeping an open-mind and setting goals will help you in the confusing world of being a teenager. High school can be tough, but things will get better if you keep trying, and plus, it’s only 4 years of your life!
Additionally, try not to care about what others think, because chances are, they’re too focused on themselves to judge you! Everyone is trying to fit in, so most of your classmates are just like you.
Eventually you’ll make new friends and a new journey will begin. Make sure to prioritize school work and take breaks in between!
As you step into high school, this list will help you start your year off on the right foot. While it can feel overwhelming at first, with the right mindset and preparation, you’ll find your people and make the most out of these years! Embrace your journey and don’t forget to enjoy the ride. Everyone will and has been in your position, so take a deep breath. You’ve got this!