It’s that time again!!!

Back To School Image

Grab your backpacks, gather those notebooks, pens, pencils and get ready for another year at hitting the books!

Here’s a few tips to help get you back into “school mode”:

• Turn OFF the TV and pick up a book! You need to get back into studying soon, so it’s a good idea to cut back on the video games and TV now so it won’t be as hard as when schools start.

• Expand your horizons and read a book.

• HIT THE HAY at a decent time. If you’ve been a “night owl” all summer long try to start going to bed a little earlier every night a week before school starts.

• Set you’re alarm to start getting up ½ earlier each day the week before school starts. This will get you used to getting up earlier again.

• If your school doesn’t supply everything you will need, talk to your Mom or Dad about picking up some supplies you will need. Getting new stuff is one of the perks of going back to school.

• Make sure you eat breakfast, even if you eat on the run. Pick up some fruit and a granola bar if you don’t have the time for a sit-down meal. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’ll get you energized and give you the brain-fuel you need to start your day.

• Get involved in some school activities such as a team sport or an academic club. School’s a good place to meet new friends and staying involved in a club or a sport expands your horizons.

DID YOU KNOW????….

• Overloading your backpack can create shoulder and lower back pain, muscle and neck spasms, and tingling hands. If you have any of these symptoms, lighten up your backpack a bit, especially if you are a small person.

• If you need a new backpack this year, look for one that has heavily padded shoulder straps with individual compartments that can allow you to space out your items evenly.

So……..
you’re off to college
(or maybe university) !!!

THIS ISN'T HIGH SCHOOL ANYMORE!

You’re a big kid on campus now. Here are a few tips that will make your first year a little easier.

1. The first few weeks on campus can be a lonely period. There may be concerns about forming friendships. When new students look around, it may seem that everyone else is self-confident and socially successful. The reality is that everyone is having the same concerns. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
    

2. Increased personal freedom can feel both wonderful and frightening. Students can come and go as they choose with no one to "hassle" them. At the same time, things are no longer predictable. Be prepared to be treated like an “adult” and show responsibility. The strange environment with new kinds of procedures and new people can create some emotional changes. This is to be expected.
    

3. Living with roommates can present special, sometimes intense, problems. You must negotiate respect of personal property, personal space, sleep, and relaxation. You must respect other ethnic/cultural backgrounds, beliefs and customs. Communicating one's legitimate needs calmly, listening with respect to a roommate's concerns, and being willing to compromise to meet each other's most important needs can promote resolution of issues.
    

4. It is unrealistic to expect that roommates will be best friends. Roommates may work out mutually satisfying living arrangements, but the reality is that each may tend to have his or her own circle of friends.
    

5. University classes are a great deal more difficult than high school classes. There are more reading assignments and the exams and papers cover a greater amount of material. Instructors expect students to do more work outside the classroom. In order to survive, the student must take responsibility for his or her actions. This means the student needs to follow the course outlines and keep up with the readings.
    

6. These are the best years of your life. Make sure to enjoy yourself. Set aside time for studying, but leave yourself enough time to get involved in activities and just have fun. Use your head and don’t do anything that you’ll regret. Be responsible for your actions.