5 tips to help you start the school year right, from getting organised to the importance of hobbies
Hong Kong secondary school principal offers advice on heading back to the classroom and setting yourself up for a successful year
These tips will put you on the path to success this school year. Photo: ShutterstockAs the summer winds down, the anticipation of a new school year builds up. Whether you’re a seasoned student or embarking on a new educational adventure, it’s important to take the time to prepare for a successful and stress-free start to the school year. We spoke to Tso Tat-ming, a secondary school principal and a member of Hong Kong’s Advisory Committee on Mental Health, for some tips to help you start the year right.
1. Acknowledge the challenges you might face
After a relaxing summer holiday, Tso said the three biggest changes students must deal with are a new school environment, meeting new teachers, and adjusting to a new group of classmates.
“These three aspects can create pressure for students, as there are many unfamiliar things they need to get used to, Tso explained. He advised getting to know your new environment, which might make you feel more comfortable.
“Many secondary schools in Hong Kong might organise activities for newcomers such as visiting the school campus, making students feel less anxious on the first day of school.”
Check to see if your school offers any activities to help you get to know your teachers or classmates better. You could even try organising some yourself!
2. Prep your school bag and uniform the night before
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a fresh, organised start to a school year. Take some time to declutter and reorganise your backpack, ensuring you have all the necessary supplies and textbooks. Make sure you have a water bottle, as well as enough pens, notebooks, and other stationery. “It’s important to have a way to write down all the important deadlines and information shared on the first day,” Tso said.
In addition, make sure your school uniform is clean and free of wrinkles so you can look neat and give a good first impression.
3. Practise time management
Effective time management is crucial for academic success. One of the biggest challenges students face is keeping up with the increased homework load in secondary school, Tso said.
“The requirements and deadlines are different from primary, so students need to be very organised,” he shared. Carefully record all your assignments and deadlines, and tackle your homework regularly instead of letting it pile up.
Getting enough sleep is also crucial for staying on top of your workload. Try experimenting with different techniques, such as scheduling regular reminders to do different tasks, to find a system that works for you.
Should students have homework during the summer holiday?
4. Explore your hobbies
Research any school clubs, sports teams, or extracurricular activities you might be interested in joining since there are many options in secondary school. You don’t need to worry about making new connections – you will have many opportunities to make new friends.
“There will be plenty of activities and classes that require students to work together, which is a great way to meet new people and build connections,” Tso said.
5. Remember that everyone gets nervous
The first day of school can be a mix of excitement and social anxiety. Combat those nerves by practising positive self-talk and looking for opportunities to volunteer and engage with the school community.
You can also figure out what you will say to people when you meet them: “Practise introducing yourself and making small talk so you feel more comfortable on the first day,” Tso said.
Remember, your classmates are just as nervous as you are, so take a deep breath and know you’ve got this.
Embrace the excitement, stay organised, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there; your future self will definitely thank you!