How To Have A Great First Day At School

The first day of school can evoke a mix of emotions. You might feel nervous, excited, or even both. Regardless of what type of butterflies you feel in your stomach the night before, there are a few steps you can take to have a smooth, successful first day. 

Plan the Day Before 

It is always a good idea to plan out how you want your day to go the night before. This way, you can leave behind all the anxiety and stress, allowing your day to unfold effortlessly. 

I like to make sure my bag is packed with all my books, utensils, self-care, and anything else I might need for the day. 

Planning out your outfit the night before also saves time in the morning, so you aren’t rushing. It is very important to stay nourished throughout the day, so be sure that you pack water and something to eat.

Get a Good Night’s Rest 

After planning, make sure you get a good night’s sleep. Something that helps me sleep is to have a set night routine. 

I like eating a well-balanced dinner, showering, brushing my teeth, and doing nighttime skin care. I also set alarms for the morning, so I wake up with plenty of time to get ready. 

Sleep for at least 8-10 hours, especially on your first day, so you can wake up feeling nice and refreshed. 

Feel Pretty & Confident 

Along with planning out your outfit, make sure the outfit is comfortable and something you enjoy wearing. Dress for yourself and yourself only.

 I like wearing some makeup to enhance my features and make myself feel more confident. 

While getting ready and walking to class, listen to music that makes you feel your best. I recommend upbeat music to hype yourself up for your classes. 

Lastly, practice positive affirmations to practice loving yourself. Some examples I use are, “I am better than I was yesterday”, “ I am good enough”, and “ I find joy in everything I do”. Practice what gives you peace and clarity. 

Smile and Connect 

Forming connections with people can help you create new, meaningful connections. 

Challenge yourself to talk to at least one new person a day; you never know who can become your new best friend. Maintain open body language and eye contact so that you seem approachable. Make sure to smile, be friendly, and listen.  

As a freshman in college, it was confusing for me to start over and make new friends. What helped me was finding common ground with people, and showing interest. 

Breath & Relax 

As Taylor Swift said, “ Just breathe, just relax, it’ll be ok.” 

Remember to take care of yourself no matter how your first day went. Reflect on what went well and what could’ve been better. 

Remember it was just the first day, and there are many new days to come. 
What do you do to feel great on your first day of school? Let us know @HerCampusSJSU

• back to school
• Reflections
• routine
• selfcare
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