Before Break Checklist
A quick guide to help students get organized before a long holiday weekend.
Long weekends and holiday breaks are a chance to reset, relax, and spend time away from school stress. But nothing kills the post-break vibe faster than coming back to a pile of forgotten assignments and a messy desk.
This checklist will help you step into the break feeling organized, and return ready to study without the chaos.
1. Check All Upcoming Assignments
Before you mentally clock out, look ahead at:
- Your online class portals (Canvas, Schoology, Blackboard, Google Classroom, etc.)
- Syllabi for upcoming readings or due dates
- Emails or announcements from teachers and professors
Make sure you:
- Write down due dates that fall right after the break
- Break big assignments into small steps you can tackle later
- Decide if there’s anything you want to get a head start on over break
2. Clean Out Your Backpack or Workspace
A cluttered space = a cluttered brain.
Before you leave, throw away old papers and wrappers and file important notes where they belong. Organize your folders or binders if you need to, and make a note to restock any supplies (like pens, pencils, and notecards). Or, to really help future you, get those before you clock out for break. You’ll thank yourself when you return and don’t have to sort through a huge pile of loose papers for your study notes.
3. Bring Home Everything You’ll Need
You don’t want to return from break realizing your textbook, laptop charger, or notes spent the weekend sitting in your locker.
Double-check that you’ve packed:
- Textbooks or workbooks
- Chargers and devices
- Notebooks or binders for classes with upcoming assignments
- Anything you might want for light studying
4. Back Up Your Notes and Files
Avoid tech-disaster by taking two minutes to save your work. Consider backing up lecture notes, essay drafts, class project files, slide decks, and study guides.
Use Google Drive, OneDrive, or an external drive—whatever is easiest.
5. Review Your Grades and Standing
A quick grade check helps you spot missing assignments, see what you should prioritize after break, and know whether you need to contact a teacher or professor.
It also gives you peace of mind so you’re not wondering about your performance all break.
6. Tidy Up Your Digital Space
Your digital life needs a reset, too. Set a timer and take just five minutes to clean your desktop, sort downloads into folders, close unnecessary tabs, and organize your files.
7. Make a “Return From Break” Plan
This is a small thing that you’ll thank yourself for in the future. After all, it might take you more time than usual to get back into the swing of things.
- Write a small to-do list for the first day back at school
- Set reminders for deadlines
- Plan when you’ll start studying again
- Note any meetings, labs, or commitments right after break
Even a short list will help you hit the ground running.
8. Give Yourself Permission to Actually Rest
Breaks are meant for recovery (and can actually help you).
So before you go, decide what assignments or tasks can wait until after the holiday. Once you’ve done that, set realistic expectations for any work you might do over break. But, make sure you prioritize sleep, family time, and fun
A rested brain learns better. Taking a real break is part of being a successful student.
Ready for Break, And Ready to Return
With just a few minutes of prep, you can enjoy your holiday weekend without that lingering feeling of “I’m forgetting something…” Follow this checklist, so you can return to school refreshed, organized, and ready to study.
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