Back-to-school season is officially here, and many students are understandably nervous about it. Whether it be making new friends, maintaining good grades, or managing homework with activities, the beginning of school can be somewhat difficult. That is why we have compiled a handful of tips to allow you to make the transition into a successful school year as easily as possible.

Be open to conversation with new people
Talking to new people can always be intimidating, but it is important because of the possible relationship you can make from it. If you choose to never interact with others outside of your established group of friends, you are missing out on amazing experiences with you peers who you might grow to love and appreciate.

Join several extracurricular activities
Joining extracurricular activities is a great way to meet new people and make new friends that have similar interests as you. Moreover, extracurricular activities allow you to stay active, which is necessary for you physical and mental health.

Get adequate sleep every night
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, teenagers should be sleeping 8-10 hours every night. Sleep is vital because it has a considerable impact on virtually every single aspect of our health. Adequate sleep allows students to maintain good moods and focus well in class.

Use earbuds/headphones in moderation
Earbuds and headphones can be helpful in situations where one is feeling anxious. The music can help distract you and allow you to proceed on with your day in a less stressful manner. However, to some extent they can be detrimental in that they indirectly signal to others that one is not willing to listen or have conversation. For that reason, it is important to know in what contexts to use earbuds and headphones.

Value your relationships with your teachers
It is important to try to establish some sort of relationship with your teacher for a variety of reasons. First, it is useful to be able to use their help apart from normal lessons if you find yourself struggling. Second, teachers provide letters of recommendation to colleges, which is of utmost importance in college applications.

Know the convenience of your counselor
Counselors are useful in a variety of ways. They are there to assist you in situations such as school schedules, career paths, and even with mental and personal issues. If you are ever in need of help in any of those areas, never hesitate to reach out to your counselor.

Always make the effort to be a kind, positive person
Being a kind and positive person is crucial not only for your sake but the sake of everyone around you. It serves to boost everyone’s mood and can led to positive, satisfying interactions and memories.