by Millie Tulle

Created on: July 19, 2010   Last Updated: July 27, 2010

Going back to school entails more than just a change of schedule. It often involves a radical change in mindset. To go from being relaxed and tanned to suddenly having the weight of a course load on your mind can cause some fumbles. Here are 10 simple rules to follow to make the transition as effortless as possible:

10. Don't let the mind rust.

Without obligations to your classes, use the summer to explore things that have always interested you. Teach yourself LINUX or read about the latest developments in the wild world of particle physics. Pick up some Nietzsche and become a nihilist if you're into that sort of thing. Take younger kids to the museum and keep them busy with a fun book of experiments. The point is to keep your mind active and consistently in the thinking mode. That way, once school rolls around, you're not relearning how to learn. You can get right into the new material because you've kept your mind exercised and nimble.

 9. Get into your circadian rhythm.

During summer, without a structured schedule, some begin to keep odd hours. However fixing your sleep schedule is much easier said than done. To those of us who have become almost nocturnal during the summer, going to bed at 11 p.m. and counting sheep is not so fun. There is a brutal, yet effective way to solve this problem. No matter what, rise with the sun everyday. So, if you go to sleep at 4 a.m., wake up at 6:30, no exceptions. For the rest of the day, don't succumb to sleep. Just last 3 days, and see how your body immediately adapts. Maintain this for a week before school starts, and rest assured, you will not sleep through your first class.

8. Clean your room!

It is the best way to feel prepared for the new school year. First, dump or donate everything you don't want or need. Organize the rest of your room, dust, vacuum, wash your sheets, etc. If you're leaving for college, keep your room the way you want to see it when you visit for winter break. Categorize your clothing into winter and spring, so you're not lugging unnecessary things into your cramped dorm room where space is precious. Also, pack neatly, and in sections. Keep your clothes separate from your books, and your books separate from your toiletries. That way, when you arrive you can unload a whole box at a time, and make move-in a lot easier, leaving you more time to say goodbye to your parents, or explore campus.

7. Do what you can now.

Once the school year starts, you'll have about 4 or 5 classes to worry about at

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