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Home > > September 7, 2026 > Back-to-School Survival Guide
Three cartoon school supplies with faces and limbs: a notebook, a backpack, and a pencil

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Back-to-School Survival Guide

These tips can help you make the most of the new school year.

Start Early

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? What about your school supplies? 
  • Get plenty of Zzz’s. You need 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, experts say.

Homework Hacks

Does YouTube distract you? Setting up a homework routine will help you stay focused.

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

Stick With It

Everyone makes mistakes—and that’s OK. The key is to stay positive when things get hard.

  • Don’t say, “I messed up.” Instead, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” 
  • If you get frustrated, take a few deep breaths. Then try again with a clearer mind.
  • Think of each mistake as a small step on the path to being successful.
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