The first day of class is coming up! Love it or hate it, the best thing you can do is to make sure it's as stress-free as possible. All it takes is a few simple tasks to start the year off right; you'll be prepared and your teacher will be impressed...

When the first day of classes arrives, give yourself enough time to shower, drink coffee, and perform all your other morning rituals. You're going to be excited and a little nervous about your first class, which is totally natural. Just stay calm and you'll make it through the day. And ask for help when you need it: every student on campus has experienced what you're going through, and they will all be able to guide you through your first day.

Following is a great checklist to use for your first day of classes:

Practice your schedule, going from class to class a few days before the big day. That way you'll know how long it takes to move to and from classes, and you'll already know where your classes are.

Get to know someone in each of your classes. Knowing someone in each of your classes is invaluable: you can exchange notes, find out what happened when you were absent, and study together.

Organize your class materials. You should have a folder or organizer for each class.

Make a photocopy of your class syllabi. Carry one copy with you and tack the other one to your corkboard.

Put all due dates into your organizer/calendar, and highlight all of the course requirements on your syllabus.

Avoid the bookstore if you can. The lines will be insanely long line on the first day of classes. Instead, try to get up early the next day and wait at the bookstore when it opens. Also, check to see if you can get any of your books at another store: many used bookstores open near campus for just this purpose.

Don't get too overwhelmed. Just breathe and try not to get frustrated.

_This article originally appeared on College Financial Aid Advisors._