Ughhh, the dreaded back-to-school season. Buying supplies, reorganizing your life, and mentally rebooting for another year of chaos and coffee.
So here’s where I’m at: I’m in university, still living at home, and trying to mentally prep for my “first day” of classes this Thursday. Honestly? It’s a whole mix of emotions. On one hand, I’m excited—I get to see my friends who were gone all summer and I have some super interesting classes lined up this term. But on the other hand… let’s be real. I’ve heard through the grapevine that this is the hardest year in my program. Like, the “weed-out year.” So yeah, the nerves are very real.
For all my girlies who are feeling the same way—whether it’s the anxiety of meeting new people in first year, or just trying to juggle classes, social life, and maybe even a side hustle—this is where I come in.
Over the past few years, I’ve figured out some little strategies that help me reset, stay grounded, and actually keep my life together (well… most of the time) during the school year. Especially during this crazy startup season.
1. Organize & Use a Calendar
Okay, this one might sound obvious, but hear me out: having a calendar is life-changing if you actually use it the right way. Personally, I’m a Google Calendar girly, but I know a ton of people who swear by Notion. I like to block out literally everything—classes, workouts, study sessions, even free time—because it makes me feel like I’m actually in control of my day instead of just… winging it.
And honestly, you can make it fun! My first-year Google Calendar looked like it was designed by a 5-year-old (don’t let that be you 🙃). But this year? Way different. I went down a rabbit hole of tutorials and learned how to actually make my calendar cute and functional at the same time. Obviously, mine is pink because that’s my vibe, but you can make yours whatever feels satisfying to look at. And yes… sometimes I check my calendar just to admire how aesthetic it is, not even to see what I have to do. LOL.
Bottom line: get yourself a calendar, customize it, and stick to it like it’s your holy grail. Future you will thank you.
2. Flora App
If you’re like me and get distracted by your phone every five seconds (TikTok, Insta, or telling yourself you’ll take a “quick break” that turns into a full doomscrolling session), this one’s for you.
Back in first year, I found an app that literally saved my academic career. It’s called Flora, and here’s how it works: you set a timer—say, one hour—and during that time, the app “grows” a little tree for your digital garden. Cute, right? BUT here’s the catch: if you leave the app (even just to check a text), you KILL the tree. And yes, your friends on the app will get notified that you were the tree killer. Brutal.
It sounds dramatic, but it seriously works. It gamifies focus and turns study sessions into a fun challenge instead of a battle with your self-control. Plus, over time you build the cutest little garden, which is way more motivating than you’d think.
Bottom line: download Flora, lock in, and grow some trees LOL.
3. Dress Cute for Class
Ultimate hack right here: dress cute for class. I swear, I’m so much more motivated to actually go when I’ve got a good outfit on. And no, it’s not about showing off or dressing for anyone else—it’s about the mental shift. When you look and feel your best, you’re way more likely to be productive and locked in.
For me, it’s giving “aesthetic school girlie” vibes: strutting into lecture with a fresh outfit, my laptop, and a matching bag like I’ve got my life together (even if I don’t).
It’s such a small thing, but it makes a big difference in how you show up. Cute ‘fit = main character energy = instant motivation.
4. Find Study Spots
For this next one, I highly encourage you to get out of the house and explore your city. Find the cutest cafés, libraries, or even parks (weather permitting, if you’re in Canada like me 🥶) to set up your study spot.
Personally, I’m way more focused when the vibe is cozy and aesthetic. If I’m stuck in my room, I get distracted so easily, but when I switch it up and hunt for a new “hot spot,” I actually feel excited to sit down and work. Bonus points: you get to try new food (I always reward myself with a croissant after a long session, because balance ✨), meet new people, and figure out what environments help you thrive.
This one’s honestly my fave hack because it doubles as self-care and social time—you can go solo, or make it a whole thing with your friends or study group. Cute spot + good coffee + productive vibes = the ultimate win.
5. Break Up Your Day
I cannot even stress how important this last one is: take breaks.
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to grind for 14 hours straight, but let’s be real—that’s a one-way ticket to burnout. This ties right back to time-blocking on your calendar. If you’ve got five hours of class in a row, give yourself permission to grab a snack, stretch, or even go for a quick jog before tackling your mountain of homework. And please, don’t let dinner end up at 11 p.m.—set aside actual time to eat and recharge like a human.
Now, by “take breaks,” I don’t mean spiral into a two-hour TikTok binge (we’ve all been there 😅). I mean find activities that actually feed your soul and reset your brain. Think: a Sudoku book, a cozy novel, one episode of your comfort sitcom, a walk outside, or a matcha date with yourself.
The main point: give yourself little rituals that feel good and sustainable. Protect your energy, pace yourself, and you’ll avoid burning out halfway through the semester.
That shall be all today ladies. Try these tips, see what works. Until next time.
-AGL Team
A Girls Life 