Summer is quickly coming to an end. We’re literally a few days away from the 2017 academic year commencing. For many, this might be the start of their varsity career while for others, their final year. No matter what year you’re in, you have to get ready at some stage. This might be an overwhelming time for both students and teachers. Not to mention the long to-do or shopping lists that are waiting for you.

While some are excited to move up with the ladder – meeting their new lecturers and seeing their friends after a long summer break – others are more worried about the new year. This is a great opportunity to start new and fresh.

If you’re preparing for the upcoming year, you’ll make good progress with academics. It’ll also be much easier and fun to study for exams. With proper planning in advance, doing assignments won’t be a problem. Although summer is supposed to be a fun and exciting time, it’s also the best time to get yourself ready for school.

Here are a few things that you need to go through before heading back.

Go through the curriculum for new year

Normally you’ll get your syllabus in advance. Take time to read through this and make sure you’re ready for what’s coming. The curriculum outlines all the topics you’ll be covering throughout the year and some will have the detailed information listed on it. Going through this will allow you to prepare yourself mentally. Compare that with what’s in your textbook and start making notes in advance. It’s always wise to start way in advance and be ahead. That way you won’t have a heavy workload and can get through your work easier. That’ll also make studying easier.

Get your textbooks

Enquire whether you need to buy new textbooks or if they’ll provide you with some. Students are normally required to buy one or two, if not everything. Technology took over print media and textbooks nowadays come in the form of e-books. If you’ve receive printed textbooks, put your name down in every one to ensure they’re safe. Organise them according to the subject. If you want to, and have the time, you can cover it in plastic that’ll make it last longer. If you want to save money, you can buy secondhand textbooks. There may be students from previous years who wants to sell theirs. Ask at your school or on social media. Remember to buy the ones that are used by your varsity to avoid confusion.

Get your sports gear

Many tertiary institutions are strict on this. You need to have the right sports uniform that unites everyone. You don’t want to be back on your first day, only to find out that your gym shorts have holes in them or your running shoes don’t fit anymore. Make sure you have all your sports clothing sorted. If you’re part of the mountain biking or swimming club, find out whether you need specific gear for that. It’s a new year so why not start it off with a new ride? You can check online where to buy second-hand mountain bikes. Make sure you have your sports bag, towel and any other essentials.

Get your stationery

From sticky notes, to HB pencils and a scientific calculator. You have to stock up with all your necessary stationary in the beginning of the year. That way you don’t have to worry about buying throughout the year. Check what stationery you already have and make a list of what’s needed. Doing that will help you avoid buying extra. New stationery can act as a motivator for the new year. Buy anything and everything that’ll be useful in your everyday studies. If you’re not sure what to buy, it’s best to ask someone who has completed the year you’re going to.

Pack your bag

Make sure your bag is in good condition. If not, then it’s time to invest in a new one. Pack it with all the necessary stationery and textbooks you’ll be needing. It’s always wise to check your timetable for the following day and only pack those books. That’ll make your bag slightly lighter. You have to pack your bag in such a way that everything fits in there. It’s your textbook, notebook, stationery and lunch. It’s wise to get or set up a yearly or monthly planner. That way you’ll know exactly what assignments and homework are due by which specific date.

It’ll only take a few minutes to check whether you have everything in order. Ask your parents to help you where needed. Your next academic year will be a productive one if you prepare for it in advance. Also, set goals for yourself and try your best to achieve them. That’ll make your year more fun.