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How to Beat the Back-to-School Jitters

That feeling you get when the first day of school is getting closer? A little nervousness is completely normal.

Maybe you're wondering who your teachers will be. Maybe you're worried about having a harder schedule this year. Or maybe you're just not looking forward to getting up early again!

The good news is that you don't have to get rid of every nervous feeling before school starts. A few simple tricks can help you feel more prepared—and once school actually gets going, those worries often disappear pretty quickly.

1. Remember That You're Not the Only One

It can seem like everyone else is excited and confident while you're the only person feeling nervous. That's almost certainly not true.

Lots of students have some back-to-school jitters, including students who seem like they have everything figured out. Even students who are returning to the same school may be nervous about new classes, teachers, friends, or expectations.

So if you're feeling anxious, don't think there's something wrong with you. You're having a very normal reaction to starting something new.

2. Don't Worry About the Whole Year

It's easy to look at a new school year and think, "How am I going to get through all of this?"

Don't.

You don't need to figure out the entire school year on the first day. Just focus on what's immediately in front of you. Get to your classes, meet your teachers, figure out your schedule, and make it through the first week.

Before you know it, you'll know where you're supposed to be and what your teachers expect. School will start feeling like a routine rather than something new and unfamiliar.

3. Do a Little Preparation

One of the easiest ways to feel less nervous is to be prepared.

The night before school starts, make sure you know what time you need to get up, where your backpack is, and what you're going to wear. If you're starting at a new school, take a look at the map or schedule so you have an idea where your classes are.

You don't have to spend hours getting ready. A few minutes of preparation can save you from a lot of unnecessary stress the next morning. Oh, and be sure to set an alarm that leaves you enough time in the morning for a healthy breakfast to start your day.

4. Don't Expect Everything to Be Perfect

Your first day might not go exactly as planned.

You might walk into the wrong classroom. You might forget a teacher's name. You might not know anyone in one of your classes. You might even embarrass yourself a little.

That's okay!

Almost everyone has awkward moments at school. The important thing is not to let one small mistake turn into a big deal in your head. Most of the things that feel embarrassing today won't even matter a week from now.

5. Talk to Someone

If you're really nervous, talk about it.

Tell a parent, sibling, friend, teacher, or another adult you trust what's bothering you. Sometimes simply saying your worries out loud makes them seem much smaller.

And if you're worried about something specific—like making friends, getting lost, or handling a difficult class—someone who's been through it before may be able to give you some useful advice.

6. Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To

School isn't just homework, tests, and early mornings.

Think about the things you enjoy about school. Maybe it's seeing your friends, playing a sport, joining a club, art class, lunch with your friends, or simply having something interesting to learn.

You can also plan something fun for after the first day or first week. Getting ice cream, watching a movie, playing video games, or hanging out with friends can give you something to look forward to.

7. Give It a Little Time

If you don't love school on the first day, don't panic.

It can take a week or two to get used to a new schedule. You may need some time to figure out your teachers, meet people, and get back into the rhythm of doing homework.

The first day is just one day. It doesn't determine what the entire school year will be like.

Final Thought

The back-to-school jitters can feel pretty big before school starts, but they usually get smaller once you're actually there. You don't need to have everything figured out. Just do a little preparation, take things one day at a time, and remember that plenty of other students are probably feeling the same way.

And don't spend the last days of summer worrying about school! A little preparation is helpful, but you should still enjoy your remaining summer time. Before long, you'll be back in the school-year routine—and wondering why you were so nervous in the first place.

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