1. Set the Tone from Day One 

One of the best ways to set yourself up for success is to start strong with your teachers. Email or introduce yourself to your teachers before school starts so they know who you are and that you’re ready for the year. 

Keep communication going by attending office hours, asking questions after class, and even suggesting a study group with classmates. The earlier you build connections, the easier it is when things get busy.

 

2. Be Your Own Hype Person 

Talk with your teachers about your learning style and any accommodations that help you succeed.  Use the supports available to you , ask for help when you need it, and stick to what works for you. 

The beginning of the school year is a good time to reflect on what has worked for you in the past and carry those habits forward. For example, using a fidget can boost focus and ease anxiety — just be sure to check in with your teacher first. 

 

3. Take Charge of Your Time 

Time management feels impossible sometimes, but the right tools can make it less overwhelming. Apps like Clockify, Toggl Track, or even Google Calendar can help you track where your time goes and prevent time blindness.

Try building routines that keep your day predictable. If your days don't always start and end at the same time or your activities vary, try time chunking instead. Break your day into three or four blocks — like morning, afternoon, and evening — and assign each block a ‘focus’. One block might be for schoolwork, another for exercise, and another for social time or rest. This approach gives you flexibility while still keeping structure. Most importantly, it helps you stay present with what you’re doing and maintain a healthy balance so school doesn’t take over everything.

 

4. Syllabus, Simplified 

At the beginning of the school year, the amount of work ahead can seem overwhelming. Use your course plan or syllabus to break courses and assignments into smaller parts and deadlines.  

For example, instead of “paper due in 6 weeks,” your real deadlines become “find 3 sources by Friday,” “draft outline next Wednesday,” etc. This will make the work more manageable and help keep you on track so you aren't leaving work until the last minute or missing important deadlines. Tools like MyHomework or Todoist can help you map this out.

 

5. Organize Like a Pro 

Staying organized looks different for everyone, but here’s the bottom line: your system should save you time and reduce stress. One idea is to color-code materials for each class so they’re easy to grab.

Another approach is keeping a master binder with sections for all your subjects, so you don't have to worry about remembering what to bring to class. Some students also use digital apps like OneNote or Evernote.

 

6. Rest, Eat, Hydrate, Repeat 

Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying hydrated.  These small habits can make a big difference in how you feel and perform throughout the day.

 

7. Strong Mind, Strong Grades 

Stress is part of school, but burnout doesn’t have to be. Build in mental resets: go for a walk, practice a breathing exercise, try journaling, or schedule downtime with friends. Even 5–10 minutes of quiet can shift your brain out of overdrive.

Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditations and mindfulness practices you can do between classes or before bed. Mental health is as real as physical health, and it deserves the same care.

 

8. Community Starts with Clubs 

Getting involved isn’t just about building your resume, it’s about finding your people. Clubs, sports, volunteer projects, student orgs will all give you community, confidence, and a reason to look forward to school.

Start small - attend one meeting, sign up for a trial session, or tag along with a friend. The more connected you feel, the more school feels like a place you belong, not just a place you have to be.

 

9. You > Your GPA 

Grades measure certain skills, but they don’t measure your creativity, resilience, or ability to think differently.  When you are neurodivergent, your grades often don’t tell the whole story. You don’t need to change who you are to succeed.

Remind yourself: success isn’t about fitting into a mold. It’s about building a life where your strengths shine. Employers, colleges, and communities are looking for more than numbers on a transcript.

 

10. Remember to Breathe!

The journey is yours. Notice the small wins, like finishing a tough assignment, asking a question in class, remembering your water bottle. Celebrate progress, not just perfection.