Going to college or university and feeling uncertain about your first day? Here's a checklist of things to remember to help you start your school year off right.

1.) Pick a great outfit - You know what they say; look good, feel good. Wearing your favourite little number can boost your confidence right from the get-go and draw some positive attention to boot.

2.) Shop ahead - Most of the pre-class jitters on the first day are due to a feeling of ill-preparation. Make sure you have everything you need ahead of time from notebooks to writing utensils to back up USB sticks for your laptop. Calm and collected is what you're sure to be when you don't have to worry about what you might be missing.

3.) Eat - If you're stressed out about schedules, location, money, friends...chances are, you're like the rest of us and you'll skip a meal. Malnourishment is the last thing you want when you're in the middle of the frenzied excitement of the school experience, so pack a lunch ahead of time or make sure to grant yourself a specific time slot for a couple of good meals.

4.) Speak up - It's expected that your first day on campus will leave you confused at least once during the day, so don't be afraid to ask someone for assistance where necessary. Everyone's in the same boat. If you're worried about looking stupid for asking where to go, just think of how stupid you might look showing up to the Biology building with your books on literary criticism.

5.) Sleep - Early to bed, early to rise. Most students overlook the importance of a good night's rest particularly before an eventful day. For best results with an alertness, consciousness, and overall coherence, try your hardest to log out of Facebook as soon as you can and call it a night.

Courtney Gilmour
		About the author:
		Courtney is a published writer, stand-up comic, and shameless Internet enthusiast. She holds a double bachelors degree in English Literature and Communication Media Studies, specializing in semiotic theory, however she doesn't get Shakespeare and has never won a game of Scrabble. Currently she lives in Toronto and works as a writer for WOMAN.CA.
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