It’s that time of the year… I know, trust me, I feel the same way as all of you. Summer is ending and people are entering the back-to-school blues.

I am not the typical Noodle expert. I’m not going to pretend to be a teacher or an adult. I’m 21 years old; I want to be a relatable resource. More like a sibling than your professor.

As someone who has done it in the past and has to again this year, there are two tips I want to share.

1. Waking Up at 7 a.m. Is a Transition

Honestly, I have no idea when you typically woke up during summer, but I’m sure it wasn’t before 7 a.m. I am going to make this very clear: it is NOT possible to transition to school overnight. It also is NOT possible to become “educational" and be ready to learn overnight.

A week before school, begin going to sleep a little bit earlier. You will be surprised how much easier the transition will be if your body has some time to adjust. If you don’t, you are going to be blindsided that first week by overwhelming exhaustion.

Personally, I’ve never been a big “reader for fun", but if you—are keep reading. If you are like me, find something educational and get interested. I’m a business major at Michigan, so I read the business section of the newspaper every morning. Make it a priority to begin learning before the first day of school.

Education can have a negative stigma attached to it, but it really can be great. Pick things that interest you.

2. Pick Something to Look Forward To

This is my biggest piece of advice. Going back to school{: target="_blank} can feel like a bummer, no matter how you look at it. Find something in the fall that excites you and set markers.

For example, I love the NFL. Literally, I love the NFL. I play fantasy football religiously. If you don’t believe me ask my family, my roommates, anyone who knows me. When I think about school, I think of the fact that the NFL is coming back. That excites me. I work my tail off all week so that I can sit on the couch for seven to nine hours straight watching football. If I get overwhelmed during the week, I go onto CBSSports and read up on Jamey Eisenberg’s fantasy advice.

Am I saying to take on fantasy football? Absolutely not. You probably shouldn’t. But find something you love and fall back onto it. If you love art, take every Saturday and go to a museum. If you have a hobby, or anything to look forward to every week, then the weeks are going to fly by. Every year, I catch myself saying, “Wow, it’s already week 12?"

School is a transition. You have to mentally take care of yourself. Make that a priority. If you are looking for more help, as always, turn to reliable sites and resources. I hope that these help and wish you a great start to the school year!