Mojza Blog
Preparing for the Upcoming Academic Year
by Mahnoor Fatima | 23 Aug 2023
As summer vacations end, we eagerly anticipate the new academic year, which is a great time to refocus and prepare for the hard work ahead of us. While most of us are motivated for a fresh start, there are many students for whom this whole experience might be daunting. Therefore, we present to you some valuable tips that will come in handy during your preparation and ensure that you are ready to make a solid start to this school year!
1. Set Clear Goals
Now is the perfect time to set goals for your new academic year. Ask yourself what you want to achieve this year; what is your main focus? The answers to this will navigate you toward the goals you wish to achieve, whether academic or extracurricular. Remember to make the goals realistic, and don’t get over-excited as that might lead to burnout or you feeling overwhelmed. Whether you want to achieve specific grades, better work-life balance or focus on extracurriculars, make a concise plan on how you wish to accomplish this — be it consistent efforts or effective study plans — these goals will guide you throughout the year and ensure your best performance.
2. Create a Schedule
Daily or weekly planning will ensure you stay on track and analyze your performance. Making a to-do list daily and marking essential dates on the calendar will allow you to work effectively and manage your tasks on time. Remember to focus on your studies and take time out for yourself to relax. Reflecting on your previous study habits and techniques is essential when creating your planning system as it allows you to understand what works for you and what doesn’t. Here are some effective study techniques you can use this year. Hence, a well-thought-out study routine from the beginning of the academic year will make you feel prepared for exams and avoid burnout. To learn more about study schedules, check out this blog: “How To Make a Study Schedule – And Follow It!”
3. Get organised
As you embark on a new academic year, your thrilling journey of organization and preparedness begins once again. Familiarize yourself with all your new books and resources, allowing their wisdom to unfold before you. Take a moment to declutter your physical and digital spaces, looking out for hidden gems from old files that may prove invaluable. Arm yourself with the essential school supplies, carefully arranging your study desk as a haven of productivity. Lastly, assemble your school bag, ensuring it becomes a gateway to success, holding all the necessary tools for your scholarly pursuits.
4. Start from Day 1
It is crucial to start early when it comes to studies, as it takes time to build concepts and let them settle in your memory. Time management transforms students into efficient jugglers, transforming disorder into a well-orchestrated routine and paving their path to academic excellence with grace. Have a look at this blog to further aid you to ace the skill of time management! Brave the tempting allure of procrastination and the siren call of social media, for they can beat you off track. You can explore this blog for further insights on overcoming procrastination: “How to deal with procrastination”. Thus, channel your focus and discipline, immersing yourself in the vast ocean of knowledge. Revise your notes and practice past papers from the very beginning, as that will lighten the burden of exams when they are right around the corner. So, don’t forget to gear up early!
5. Attendance is Key
Daily presence in the classroom and attending all the classes is paramount, but most of us realize this when it’s too late. Therefore, your attendance should be on point from day 1 to avoid the hassle later. This would make sure all your concepts are crystal clear, and even if you are facing some difficulty with a certain topic, your teachers are always there for you to help you with it.
6. Seek Help
Never hesitate to ask for help from your teachers or classmates. Whenever you are struggling with your studies or have some other concerns, share your thoughts with your friends, seniors, or teachers. Their advice might bring clarity to your thoughts and make you feel better. You can also join Mojza’s very own Discord server to get your curricular and extracurricular queries answered within minutes alongside accessing a vast library of academic resources!
7. Fix your Sleeping Schedule
Sleep is vital to ensure your body is functioning correctly and your mind understands the knowledge it consumes all day. Benjamin Franklin once said, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” And this is undoubtedly true. Start to sleep and wake up early to make yourself ready for the upcoming days. Make sure you are sleeping for at least 7-8 hours a day.
8. Enjoy the Experience
Lastly, as you step into the upcoming academic year, allow yourself to be captivated by the boundless possibilities. Embrace this opportunity to not only expand your knowledge but also cultivate lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. Amid the academic hustle, remember to prioritize your well-being, and maintain a healthy balance between studies and personal life. Don’t let academic stress steal your shine! Check out this blog for expert tips and strategies to overcome your inner academic stress. Attend social events, connect with like-minded individuals, and engage in exciting experiences that will shape your journey. Understand that success is not measured solely by grades but by the lessons learned, the personal growth achieved, and the memories cherished.
To students progressing from O’ to A levels, it’s time to level up your learning game and unlock the doors to your academic future. Here’s a guide to ensure a smooth transition from O’ to A’ levels for our readers: Transitioning from O levels to A levels.
As we conclude this blog on preparing for the upcoming academic year, remember that the key to a successful and fulfilling journey lies in your proactive approach. Embrace the challenges, savor the victories, and embark on this academic journey with confidence, curiosity, and determination to make the most of every opportunity. Best of luck, and may this academic year be your most extraordinary one yet!
Acknowledgements
Author: Mahnoor Fatima
Proofreaders: Sara Hassnain, Zunaira Faisal, Syed Muhammad Shaheer Ali
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Published: 23 August 2023
Last Updated: 23 August 2023
Written by Mahnoor Fatima