After taking the summer off school, it’s time to prepare for the fall semester again. It seems like this summer has gone by in a flash, but you know, what even is time during a pandemic? Today, I’m sharing some things I’m doing to get ready for another semester of college.

It seems like most universities are doing online school, but mine will be doing hybrid in person and online. I’m really nervous to be back at school again with all the health concerns, but I’ll do what I can to keep myself safe. Here’s some things I’m doing to prepare for the fall semester:

Buying a Planner

I haven’t needed a planner since back in May, but now that I’m going back to school, I’ve invested in a cute planner to keep me organized. I found out about Papier from my blogging friend Nancy of Exquisitely Me. Papier has the cutest planners that you can customize the cover with. I got one with cats on it! It was quite pricey at $30, but I figured it would be worth it because my last cheapo planner from Amazon fell apart last year.

A paper planner is a game changer. I always write down my homework assignments, my work schedule, and any other appointments. Make sure your planner includes a monthly view to keep track of long term commitments (house sitting, vacations, etc.). 

Entering My School Schedule into My Phone Calendar

Even though I write down everything in my paper planner, I like to keep track of my school schedule in my phone too. I include the room numbers and time to leave notifications in my iPhone calendar. Having the room numbers in my calendar is most helpful for the first week of the semester when I’m finding my way to my new classes. Keeping my class schedule on my phone comes in handy when I’m trying to make appointments or plans outside of school. 

Packing On the Go Safety Bag

Going back to school during a pandemic certainly presents some new safety challenges that have never been a problem before. I’m feeling really anxious about being on campus so I’m going to pack a safety bag so I can keep things clean and safe on the go. In my bag, I’m going to pack an extra mask (in case I forget mine in my car), hand sanitizer, and wipes. It’s important to take responsibility for your own safety!

Buying School Supplies

Aside from the planner, I’m going to be buying a notebook, pens, and my textbooks. I like Five Star multiple subject notebooks. I never have to worry about bringing the wrong notebook to class. I can also do homework for any class at any time with my multiple subject notebook. For pens, I LOVE the G2 pilot pens with a 0.7 tip in blue ink. The ink glides so well across the paper without bleeding.

*I always rent my textbooks from Amazon. Renting is cheaper than buying them and you aren’t stuck with a textbook you’ll never open again when the semester is over. If the book you’re looking for isn’t available for rent, you can also buy them used. New textbooks are kind of a scam haha!

Do Things You Don’t Have Time for During the Semester

Between school, homework, my blog, and working to pay for school, I don’t tend to have a lot of free time while school is in session. I’m using this last week to do some fun things that I don’t normally have time for. I’m going to fit in a hike or evening at Tahoe before things get crazy. I’m also going to do some tasks that will make my life easier once school starts. Last week, I deep cleaned my car so it’s fresh and ready for the coming months. I’m also going to get an oil change in the next few days. Yee-haw!

What do you do to prepare for the fall semester? Is your university doing online, in person, or hybrid?

Here are some other blog posts I’ve written about college:

–7 Tips for Success in Online Classes

–4 Reasons Why I’m Living at Home for College

–Tips for the your First Week of College

–Gear to Help You Be Successful in College