Back to School 2026: Your September Checklist
Some of you may be sad to say goodbye to the summer holidays, while others might be excited to head back to school or college.
However you feel, preparation is key to make the transition back as easy as possible.
So, to help you, here’s a checklist of all the things you need to consider…
Plan your route
This September might be a bit different for some of you. You might have changed schools or started college, which means you’ll be traveling somewhere different.
Whether you’re walking, cycling, wheeling, driving or using public transport, there are lots of factors to consider. Time, environmental impact and cost are all things we need to think of when planning our journeys.
Want advice on different transport methods? Check out our GMACS blog with all the info you need.
It’s also worth checking out Our Pass to find out about the offers that could be available to you.
Settle into a good sleep routine
There’s a high chance you’ve been told all your life that a good night’s sleep is very important. But it can be difficult when we live in the digital age and we can’t escape the distractions.
But it is true that getting the right amount of rest can do your physical and mental health wonders.
Here are some things you can do to help us get some premium shut eye.
- Put down your devices at least 30 minutes before bed. As hard as it can be, try and keep away from technology as it can cause you to become over stimulated.
- Set a bedtime. It may feel almost childish to set a bedtime, but many adults have a rough bedtime they like to keep to. This will help you form a routine.
- Create a peaceful environment. Your bedroom should be a place for rest. Understandably, this isn’t the case for everyone, you might share a room or use your bedroom to work from. If this is you, try and avoid doing anything in bed other than rest. Your body will naturally associate the bed with sleep, meaning you should nod off quicker!
Pack your essentials
There will be some items that school or college have told you to pack, they may have even sent you a list. There may be other things you need in your bag that are specific to you.
Make a list of all the things you need and pack your bag the night before.
This means you’ll avoid the panic induced rush to make sure you’ve got everything you need the morning of your first day back.
Check your start date
Knowing the actual day that you’re starting back at school or college is important. These can be different for everyone. You might have an inset day or another reason you go back a day later than your friends who go to different schools, for example!
Some schools/colleges have staggered start times for different year groups or courses. This means that some pupils will go back to school earlier than others, to make the transition easier.
It’s worth checking. You don’t want to be the only one stood on a rainy day at the bus stop, wondering where everyone else is!
Decide on your outfit
Similarly to packing your bag, planning what you’re going to wear is important.
If you have a school uniform, then picking an outfit isn’t an issue for you. But make sure your uniform fits and is ready to wear. The same goes for wearing your own clothes, make sure you pick clothes that feel comfortable and appropriate for a day at college where you might be moving around a lot.
Other things to consider are:
- The weather! September can offer us some late summer sun, or the winter weather might have arrived early. It can be unpredictable. Prepare as best as you can by wearing something weather appropriate.
- Plan your outfit the evening before. If you’ve been giving yourself lovely long lie ins all summer, an early alarm will be enough of a shock to the system. Make your life easier and pick out your clothes the night before.
- Finally, wearing clothes that express who you are and that make you feel good can make you feel more confident. Taking some extra time to pick clothes that make you feel comfortable will help you feel at ease for the rest of the day.
Eat breakfast
Again, being told to eat breakfast is another piece of advice you’ve heard time and time again, and for good reason.
Food is fuel, and making sure we eat something that gives us nutrients can help. Eating breakfast can have many health benefits and give us the energy we need to concentrate during lessons.If you’d like to learn more about healthy eating. Check out this Curriculum for Life article to see how to incorporate healthy food into your diet.
Take a deep breath. You’re going to be great
It’s normal to feel nervous when you’re starting back school or college in September. You haven’t seen any of your classmates or teachers for some time and settling back into a routine can be challenging.
It’s worth remembering these anxious thoughts you may be experiencing can be worse than the reality of the situation.
However, if you have concerns about your welfare, speak to the adult in your life. You deserve to feel comfortable and safe whilst you learn.
