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Going back to school and college
Anxious about going back? Here’s some tips to help those first few days
How are you feeling?
When the holidays get close to ending, the thought of going back to school or college can start to feel overwhelming, especially if you are really not looking forward to it.
This booklet has tips that will hopefully help you to manage those first few days back and build towards having a great year.
Feeling anxious?
A lot of young people feel anxious about going back to school or college – it’s perfectly normal and okay to feel like this.
Education can bring about a lot of pressure, especially at the start of the new year, working out where you’re going, having different classrooms, classmates and teachers. Going all in from a long holiday off is tough.
If you’re in a moment where you feel like you’re getting more anxious, try this square breathing technique to help you out. Slowing your breathing will help to lower your heart rate, which will help you to feel calmer.
Feeling overwhelmed?
There is a lot for you to process at the start of a new year. All the changes can make you feel overwhelmed and like there’s too much going on, especially if you’re going to a new school or college – there’s a lot of new places and new faces!
If you feel like there’s too much to take in, try and go through the things going through your mind one by one, like a checklist.
Some things to consider:
What date and time do I go back?
How am I getting there and what time do I have to leave?
When I get there, do I know where I need to go?
Is there anything else I need that I haven't got?
Tips to get you through the first few days
Talk about it
If you’re getting anxious about going back, talking to someone about it can be a really big help. You could see what your friends are up to and see how they’re feeling about going back – they might be feeling the same as you. You could also tell a family member and let them know what you’re worried about and they might be able to help you work through your worries.
Think about what is good about going back
If you’re not looking forward to going back, think about good reasons for you to go into school or college. This could be seeing friends, doing a subject that you enjoy, or a club that you take part in. When you get ready, remind yourself of the reasons for going in.
Pack your bag the night before
Save yourself a bit of time in the morning and get everything you have that you need to take in your bag the night before. While it doesn’t take long to pack a bag, its usually one of the last things we do and if we’re in a rush, we’re more likely to forget to pack something!
Get a good amount of sleep
You need sleep to give you energy for the next day, especially if you’re doing something big, like having your first day back after the holidays. The recommended amount of sleep for teenagers is 8-10 hours. See if you can go down the middle and aim to get nine hours.
If you’re struggling to get to sleep, try putting a podcast on to give your mind something to concentrate on.
Create a good bedtime routine
Something to help with sleep is having a good bedtime routine, where you go to sleep feeling relaxed and settled.
You can get going with this by trying to do things like brushing your teeth, getting into bed and going to sleep around the same time. Try reading, listening to calming music or a podcast, or doing something like knitting or crochet and avoid screens for at least an hour before sleep.
Eat breakfast before you go
Just like sleep, breakfast is really important. It’s what fuels you through the morning until break or lunchtime. You will have more energy to think and do having had breakfast.
If you’re feeling anxious and aren’t hungry, try to have a little bit so your stomach has something, and make sure you’re drinking enough.
Go in with a friend
Travelling to school or college and going in with a friend might make it easier to walk through the gates on the first day. Arrange with a friend to walk in together, share a lift or get the same bus as you.
Get to grips with your new timetable
Whether you get your new timetable before the year starts or on your first day, familiarising yourself with your new timetable can help you feel more prepared and on top of your new routines.
If you’re finding it hard, try looking to see if there are any lessons that you think you will enjoy more and use those as markers to try and get to.
Want to talk to No Limits?
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Our youth workers are in Southampton schools and colleges weekly or fortnightly.
