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Home > > August 31, 2026 > Back-to-School Survival Guide
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Back-to-School Survival Guide

New school year, no problem! These tips will help you make the most of the upcoming year.

An Early Start

A stress-free school routine starts the night before. 

  • Lay out what you plan to wear. You don’t want to scramble to find matching socks in the morning.
  • Pack your backpack and put it near the front door. Did you remember your homework and all your school supplies? 
  • Prepare your lunch and snacks. And don’t forget to grab them before you leave! 
  • Get plenty of Zzz’s. You need 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night.

Homework Hacks

You’re going to start your homework . . . right after you watch one more YouTube video. Does that sound familiar? Set a routine to stay focused.

  • Stick to a schedule. It’s easy to lose track of time after school. Doing your homework at the same time every day will make it a habit.
  • Create a homework zone. Choose a regular spot for homework. It should be clean, quiet, and free of distractions. That means no TV or phone! 
  • Set a timer. Getting started can be the hardest part. Work for just 10 minutes at a time and take a quick break after each work session. You’ll be done before you know it!

Stick With It

You’re not going to get everything right the first time—and that’s OK. The key is to stay positive when things get hard.

  • Instead of “I messed up,” ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” 
  • If you get frustrated, take a few deep breaths and shake out your hands. Then try again with a clearer mind.
  • Remember: Everyone makes mistakes. Think of each mistake as an important step toward success.
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