The Ultimate Back-to-School Checklist: Preparing for a Successful Year

We know that getting ready for school can be really exciting, but may also be a little overwhelming, especially if you are boarding far away from home in the UK. To save you from worrying you might forget something, we have compiled a bumper list of back to school supplies for students to prepare.

Making Your Boarding Room Feel Like Home

As you settle into your new surroundings, creating a personal haven in your boarding room can make all the difference to help you feel more at ‘home’. We hope these tips can help you to add some warmth and familiarity into your living space and help you with settling into boarding:

Pinboard with useful study notes. Below is a shelf filled with notebooks and pen holders. Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash.

Photos and Memories: Embellish your room with photographs of family, friends, and pets! Transform your pinboard or wall space into a gallery of happy memories to brighten up your day.

Cosy Bedding and Throws: Although not necessary as we provide all bedding required, you may prefer to bring your own bedding, pillows, and throws. To add to the cosiness, hang some fairy lights to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Wall Art and Posters: If you are of a creative mind, see your room as a ‘blank canvas’ to decorate with art and vibrancy to reflect who you are.

A trio of succulent plants in pink and white ceramic pots on a shelf. Photo by Beatriz Moraes on Unsplash

Potted Plants: Studies have found that houseplants can help boost productivity, help sharpen attention and relieve stress levels, as well as improve the quality of the air¹. Plus – they look nice! Think about low-maintenance options that thrive such as succulents, snake plants or kalanchoe.

And of course the essential items, such as pyjamas, a phone charger, laundry bag and a toothbrush! For a full list of items we recommend our boarders to consider bringing, including uniform and other FAQs please check your welcome booklet.

To further help you settle in, there will be plenty of events including our Boarders BBQ, and weekend residentials in the first few weeks, to help you get to know your peers and make new friends. Your Houseparents will always be on hand if you have any questions or concerns, and will be there to support you throughout your time at Rossall school.

What to pack in your school bag

As a day student, having a well-prepared bag can set the tone for a productive and positive day at school. Here’s a list of items to pack in your school backpack or bag to help you stay organised and in the right mindset for learning:

Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated can help improve memory and mood², and may help students to gain better grades³.

A sharpened yellow pencil surrounded by shavings propped up on a notepad accompanied by a metal pencil sharpener. Photo by Angelina Litvin on Unsplash

Notebooks, pens and other stationery: A set of notebooks and pens are essential for jotting down notes and ideas during classes. We also recommend you have pencils, an eraser, coloured pencils, a glue stick, scissors and a calculator.

School planner (Year 7): Stay on top of your tasks and assignments with your school planner. This will be given to you on your first day – make sure to take care of it!

Laptop or Tablet (required from Year 10 to 13): Bring your laptop or tablet for taking digital notes, accessing online resources, and working on assignments.

The main focus is of a Rossall student eating food surrounded by peers in the dining hall.

Snacks: Energise your day with a medley of healthy snacks. A balanced diet is important to help your brain function to keep you focused throughout the day, and keep your energy levels up. Nuts, fruits, and granola bars are great options.

Of course, all students have access to our delicious school canteen, too!

We’re looking forward to welcoming all of our new boarders at our Welcome Day on Thursday 31st August, ready for our Induction Day on Friday 1st September.

If you would like to find out more about life at Rossall, sign up to visit us at our Open Day on Saturday 30th September.

  1. Benefits of having houseplants
  2. Staying hydrated can improve memory and mood
  3. Drinking water improves exam grades