The Ultimate Back-to-School Checklist

The summer holidays might be over, but a new school year is a chance for a fresh start! Getting organised now is the best way to feel calm and confident for the term ahead. A bit of planning can save you from a lot of last-minute stress.

So, to help you out, we’ve put together the ultimate checklist covering everything you’ll need to ace the new academic year.

Your Physical Arsenal: The Backpack Essentials

First things first: your school bag is your command centre. Make sure it's packed with all the right gear to tackle every lesson.

• Writing & Stationery:

  • Plenty of black and blue pens (and a few spares!)

  • Pencils and a sharpener

  • Highlighters in a few different colours

  • An eraser and correction fluid/tape

  • A ruler

  • A scientific calculator (check with your school for the required model)

    
    

• Organisation & Storage:

  • A sturdy pencil case to keep everything in one place

  • Folders and dividers for each subject

  • A reliable diary or planner to track homework and deadlines

  • A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated

  • A lunch box or snack container

    
    

• Subject-Specific Gear:

  • A geometry set (compass and protractor are a must for maths)

  • Coloured pencils or felt tips for art and other subjects

  • A glue stick and a pair of scissors

  • A USB stick for saving your work

Your Digital Toolkit: Apps & Software

Your phone and laptop can be powerful tools for your studies, but only if you use them correctly! Here are some digital tools that can give you a head start.

• For Organisation:

  • Google Calendar or Outlook: Set up a calendar with all your lesson times, revision sessions, and homework deadlines.

  • Microsoft To Do or Trello: Use a to-do list app to break down big projects into smaller, manageable tasks.

  • Forest or Freedom: Apps that block distracting websites and apps to help you focus during study sessions.

    
    

• For Note-Taking:

  • OneNote or Evernote: Excellent for organising notes by subject and syncing them across your devices.

  • Quizlet: Perfect for creating flashcards to help with vocabulary, key terms, or revision.

    
    

• For Communication & Collaboration:

  • Microsoft Teams or Google Classroom: Make sure you have the correct apps and login details for any school communication platforms.

The Mindset Checklist

While having the right gear is important, your mindset is the most powerful tool of all.

• Set Clear Goals: What do you want to achieve this term? Whether it's to improve your grades in a certain subject or to join a new school club, write it down and keep it in mind.

  
  

• Embrace a Positive Attitude: A new term is a chance to learn from last year's mistakes and tackle new challenges with enthusiasm.

  
  

• Remember to Rest: Schedule in time for relaxation, hobbies, and socialising. It's just as important as your study time.

With this ultimate checklist, you're not just buying school supplies; you're setting yourself up for a fantastic and successful year. Preparation is key, and taking these simple steps will help you feel ready for whatever the new term throws your way.

Here’s to a great start to the new school year!

Did we miss anything? What's the one item you can't live without for school? Let us know in the comments below!