Somehow, it’s August already. Summer internships, jobs, and vacations are wrapping up and a new semester looms on the horizon. August can be a confusing month for college students; we’re clinging to our summer freedom while a growing to-do list simultaneously forms in the backs of our minds.

Here’s a list of 18 ways to prepare for a new semester now so that the rest of your summer can be as carefree as possible! Follow these new semester tips and you’ll be golden.

Table of Contents

1. Get Fresh New School Supplies

Nothing feels better than starting fresh with new school supplies. I swear this will do wonders for your state of mind entering a new semester!

Invest in the essentials (see our college packing list for full details); notebooks, binders, folders, pencils and pens, highlighters, and a pencil case. Separate your notebooks for your classes by decorating and labeling them. Keep your school work and handouts organized by putting them in binders and folders. Organize your notes with different colored pens and highlighters. 

Just like how having a cute water bottle makes you want to use it more often, having eye-catching school supplies will help you stay interested and organized in your classes.