While it might seem like summer just began, it’s already almost time to start planning and preparing to go back to school. Whether you’re starting off in a new grade in elementary or high school or you’re preparing to head off to college, there are plenty of things that you should do to prepare for the upcoming school year.
In this guide, we share some helpful tips to prepare for back to school or heading off to college in 2023. Let’s get started.
1. Do a FAFSA for College
If you’re heading off to college, one of the first things that you need to do is complete your FAFSA. This is the federal application for financial aid that will determine whether you are eligible for grants or loans. You need to be sure this is completed before you start enrolling. The FAFSA actually opens in October, the year before your school year begins. The sooner you apply, the better!
2. Plan for Enrollment
It doesn’t matter if you’re going to college or just heading off to your local middle school this year; you’re going to need to enroll. Every school has an enrollment period and process in which you sign up for school and pay any dues that might be necessary at the time. For those who have options for special classes, this is the time they choose those classes.
In college, you will work with your advisor to determine which classes line up for your degree and are available to enroll in. For elementary, you will get assigned to a classroom and set up for your grade. For high school, you will choose your electives and have some flexibility as to your overall schedule.
3. Get the Necessary Gear
Now, before school starts and before you pack up to head off to college, you need all of the appropriate gear. If you’re going to college, you’re going to need to make sure you have a great cell phone with coverage in the area of your college location. You can use this list of cell phone companies to know some of the providers out there. If you already have a plan that will work, then you can just keep what you have!
Even students who aren’t going off to college may need a cell phone plan. For some parents, it’s comforting to know that their student can reach them at any time that they need. Find a great plan that allows you to add lines and will provide the coverage you’re looking for.
There are so many more supplies for back-to-school as well. If your school puts out a supply list, this is the best place to start. These are some of the most common school supplies that you should be looking for.
- Pens
- Pencils
- Highlighters
- Notebooks
- Notecards
- Paper
- Erasers
- Book bag or backpack
These are just your everyday basics. Other filler items may also be needed depending on your school and your teacher’s requirements. Here are some additional items to consider or that you might find on the list:
- Dorm supplies
- Uniform or dress code requirements
- White out
- Note cards
- Calculators
- Compass and protractor
- Crayons or art supplies
- Mobile charger
- Headphones
- Pencil pouch or box
- Binder
This is not an all-inclusive list. But you will find that many of these things may be required or will be helpful to your student. Be sure to refer to any available school supply list to ensure you don’t miss anything they need.
If you are moving into a dorm, you will need supplies to make this dorm your home away from home. This likely includes bedding, a microwave, a mini fridge, dishes, toiletry items, and any decor you may want.
4. Make Goals for the Year
This is going to be your school year, so go ahead and make some goals to look forward to. Maybe your goal will just be to make new friends. Or perhaps you want to improve your study techniques and raise your grades this year.
Maybe you or your child want to improve reading or even speech skills. All of these are great goals. Sit down together and come up with some suitable goals that will give you something to strive for throughout the school year.
Final Thoughts
Back to school is just around the corner, and it’s time to start preparing. Whether you’re headed off to college or preparing to enter a new grade, there are plenty of things to do to get ready. Use this list as a guide to get you started. Be sure to check with your school to know exactly what you may need for the year ahead. Here’s to a great school year!
