How to Start a New School Year Right: Tips for Students -Collegiate

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Do you know how to start a new school year? Wow. It’s that time of year already! Time for a new timetable, new lecturers and, for some, a brand-new city to call home. Whether you’re heading into first year or returning after a well-earned summer break, getting back into ‘study mode’ after months of sunshine and slow mornings (especially if you’ve stayed in Madrid) can feel like a challenge.

But with the right mindset and a few practical steps you’ll be off to a flying start.

How to Start the New School Year on the Right Foot

Here’s our guide to starting the new academic year on the right foot with Collegiate.

Plan Your Academic Calendar from Day One

As soon as your timetable drops, pop it into your phone’s calendar. The first couple of weeks are often light when it comes to lecture content, with introductory lectures outlining what to expect on the module, key coursework and exam dates. Take this time as some breathing space to relax into uni and to organise what your semester is going to look like.

Prepare Your Study Space

This doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect, but a tidy, functional space will really help. Set up a designated area in your room with decent natural lighting and minimal distractions. If you’re living with us at Collegiate Madrid, many rooms already come with ergonomic chairs, spacious desks and plenty of natural light – making it easy to create a study corner that helps you focus.

Organise Your Digital Materials and Tools

Thankfully, because we’re now in a paperless world, there’s no need to lug around big paper folders. At the beginning of each academic year, create a digital folder with one main folder for the year, and subfolders for each module.

Make sure you can also access university platforms (like Canvas or Blackboard) before lectures begin. Depending on how your course is structured, these platforms often allow you early access to lecture content so you can have a head start on the course.

Practical Tips for Students Living Away from Home

There can be a bit more of an adjustment period when living away from home and so it might take a little bit longer to get into the swing of academic life – and that’s okay!

How to Create a Stable Routine from Your University Residence

Midweek-you will thank Sunday-you. Taking an hour or two to meal prep for the week saves a lot of time and money too. There’s plenty of recipes on TikTok or Youtube Shorts to follow and having something ready in the fridge means you’re less likely to skip meals or reach for a takeaway during the week. Plus, it means you can make healthier food choices even when you have a hectic week.

Track Your Expenses

Staying aware of your finances is important but can feel strange at first. There are plenty of budgeting apps that can help you monitor what your expenses are and banks like Monzo and Revolut already have budgeting tools built into their platform. This just means you won’t be panicking about money, and you can feel more in control of your life.

Get to Know Your Route to University, the Supermarket and the Gym

If you’re moving to a new city, your first week is the time to do some test runs. Walk or take public transport to uni so you can figure out the quickest route. Find your nearest supermarket and do a big shop so you can figure out where everything is. And, if you plan to use the gym, go check it out early so it becomes part of your routine. Exploring your new neighbourhood from the get-go will make you feel settled.

Managing Time Between Classes, Social Life and Rest

University life is all about striking a balance. Make time for your studies, but also for your physical and social wellbeing too. Chores like laundry or doing the dishes may technically be a break from studying, but they’re still tasks. If you need to rest, take actual downtime. Read, go for a walk, or just zone out and scroll on TikTok.

Studying from Collegiate: Starting the Course in the Best Environment

At Collegiate Madrid, you’re not just getting a place to live, you’re getting a student lifestyle upgrade. Collegiate Madrid has stylish, fully furnished studios, quiet communal study rooms, fun social spaces, on-site gym facilities, a rooftop terrace and so much more.

The transition to university life is a big one, but when you’re in a space designed for both study and downtime, it becomes a lot smoother. Explore Collegiate Madrid Today!