It’s that time of year again, August is wrapping up and we are all preparing to go back to class. Whether you are a freshman or a senior it is a nerve-wracking experience. So here’s my advice (advice from a rising senior! Let’s see what I have to say...)
Unless your school is the type to give a universal list of supplies chances are you won’t need 300 notebooks on day one. This is what I usually bring on the first day:
Planner/BUJO (cause when am I ever without a bujo?)
For general supplies I use Muji. They have quality stuff at a decent price, plus they are beyond aesthetic. (Gotta have pleasing supplies….)
Planner/Bujo: This is where I don’t really have a preference. Last school year I used a soft cover dotted Moleskine, for this year I just order a hardcover Leuchtturm 1917 journal. However if you are the type that doesn’t want/have the time to make your own spreads I highly recommend using Passion Planner. They have multiple types (the academic one is the best in my opinion.) PP is good quality with premade spread (WHAT A STEAL)
Pens/Markers/Pencils: Let’s start with this: MUJI. They have wonderful supplies like I already said, good stuff good stuff. But hey, what about specific things? Mildliners, Stabilo Boss (Pastel) Highlighters, Staedtler Fine Point Pens, Gelly Roll Gel Pens, Artline Stix Markers, Tombow Brush Pens. But at the end of the day, everything works!
I used to change my backpack every year, but ever since I discovered the Fjallraven Kanken bag I stuck with it. It’s a pretty durable bag with a bunch of space. The only negative is that there are not really that many pockets, so everything pretty much goes into the big compartment.
My school has a pretty liberal policy when it comes to phones. As long as the teacher allows it we can use our phones in class, and even occasionally have headphones on so here are some study music recommendations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX3j0sQ7ot8
This is a good playlist/station. These guys are lifesavers, they broadcast LIVE 24/7. LITERALLY NONSTOP MUSIC. It’s nice and chill, very nice to study to.
I am currently self studying Korean so I’ve been listening to a lot of Korean music, and since I figured it’s a trend around here so I’m including it.
KWON JI YONG (G-Dragon): This EP is so dope, the first half gets you really pumped and then it gets more calm. The only thing is GD has weird pronunciation so don’t use this to learn or practice Korean. I learned the hard way!
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT IN LIFE (BTS): This isn’t my favorite album, but I love the OUTRO song, especially the middle part!!!
EXO/EXO-CBX: Honestly everything with these guys is great, but highly recommend the newest album by EXO, THE WAR. I also like using this album for Korean studies, because their pronunciation (unlike GD’s, sorry GD stans) is quite good and it’s good for practice.
At the end of the day, any music is good music so listen to what you like!! But make sure you’re not distracted from your work (like I am during Ko Ko Bop…)
Do not put off work. It’s so much easier to handle school when you do you assignments the night they are assigned, and projects the first weekend you have them. Not only does this ensure little stress, if anything is wrong you will most likely have time to revise.
Start thinking about college early. This is something I didn’t do and highly regret. Visit colleges as early as second half of freshmen year. This way you are prepared when you have to apply, but this will also keep college at the front of your mind. I disagree with people who say that you shouldn’t worry about college until junior year. Keeping college in your mind will allow you to stay motivated and work hard. Set a goal school and work towards it. I WISH so much that someone told freshman me to worry about college because I started worrying a little too late.
SAT/ACT: Take the PSAT as early as you can. This will help you decide which test you are more suited for. Do a mock test of the ACT as well, time yourself and see which score is higher. I then recommend to take either of the tests your junior year. I took the ACT four times, most people take one of the exams about 2-3 times. Don’t forget that superscoring is a thing, some colleges will allow you to the highest mark of each section and combine them. Also don’t worry if you aren’t in the range colleges say their accepted students had. This is only the mid 50%, there are people who got lower scores and got in and people with higher scores who also got in.
Go see your teachers whenever you can. You will need recommendation letters for applications at some point so work on your relationships with your teachers. If you have a class you particularly like, get close to the teacher. Go talk to them after school. High school is slightly different in this sense, you can have a friendly relationship with your teacher. (I even go to talk about Game of Thrones with my 10th grade English teacher.)
Electives are also important! Of course everyone has to take the core classes, but showing interest in other areas is just as important. Colleges are looking for students who have interests and those who will make their communities diverse. So if you’re interested in art, take art classes and so on!
Most importantly, have fun! School is stressful, and there is just so much anxiety involved with it. Take time to take care of yourself. Go out with friends, go to parties (but don’t do anything that will get you in trouble). If you need to take a break, take the day off. Your mental and social health are just as important as your studies. We studyblrs seem to have no lives outside of studying and I hate that. HAVE FUN, remember that this is the only time you will be in high school so enjoy it. Go do crazy stupid things, because why not?! (Great advice…) Just remember to be safe :)
Good luck to everyone on the upcoming 2017/2018 school year. As for my fellow seniors, we are almost there guys, this is the final push, the sprint right before the end of the race. Congrats on making it this far. And my freshmen, welcome to high school!
