BACK TO SCHOOL – Lowering the Costs during a Pandemic

 For many students and parents alike, back to school banners and television ads can be an exciting, or even daunting, time. Out goes our usual routine, and in flows the uncertainty of returning to school during a pandemic. Let’s face it, returning to school now is anything but ordinary this year.

Yet, with so many challenges that we face every day, many have found solutions that can guide doubtful parents and students to achieve their goals and set up a new routine that will ensure they rock the new and upcoming term.

Here are just a few tips and tricks on how to prepare students and parents for returning to school, and even save a few bucks along the way!

 

1) Create a designated workspace

 Having a clean and organized workspace can help someone to boost their productivity levels, putting them in the mindset of focusing on the task at hand, whether it's studying for a test, doing a bit of homework or even just getting a bit creative with arts and crafts. And having your own “home office” doesn't have to be expensive. If you don’t already have an office at home, doing a bit of secondhand shopping can save you plenty. Take a look at old shops or secondhand online markets for things you need e.g. desks, chairs, lamps etc where many people sell their unused, yet still usable, office items. Just a bit of polishing and cleaning can bring a secondhand item back to life in minutes. Remember, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

 

2) Take inventory - and nothing more

 I know, I know..who doesn't like shopping. However, shopping for unnecessary stationery can leave a pretty big dent in your bank account. That's why it’s important to know the difference between what you have and what you need. Being prepared for university and school is a very important step in the journey to success. So, take note of what you have in your house and what you don’t. It is important to make sure that you are only buying what is necessary and save some money along the way by not just buying a duplicate of the book you have at home. This way, students go to school with the right tools in order to succeed in their classes

 

 3) Make use of free resources

 Who doesn't like something for free? Schools and other educational organizations alike understand that what parents and students are going through, is not an easy task. In return, many schools and libraries have made it their mission to support those in their educational journey, without having parents spend their money on unnecessary resources. Some public libraries offer free homework assistance and free educational books that are put in place to help students excel in the subject they are struggling with. Many after-school centers and even the teachers have taken their time to offer extra classes after school, where students can practice and master various subjects such as extra maths lessons. These resources are super important and have saved many students the struggle of going through the work alone.

 

5) It’s all about balance

Whoever said it’s all work and no play, never had balance in their life. It’s true that parents need to push their children to excel in their schoolwork, but children also need time to unwind and relax outside or even during school. And no, you don’t need to buy children the newest toys or enroll them into an expensive after-school program. Simply pushing them away from their schoolwork, even for a little while, can make a huge impact on their well-being. Taking your child on a walk, to the local pool, playing soccer in the back yard or even just taking a break to make lunch can help them to destress and give their mind and bodies a well-deserved break. Besides, who doesn't like a study snack?

 

Being either the student, teacher or parent during a time like this can certainly put a damper on things. New routines, different workloads and strange work environments all play a part in our journey to success, and it is our responsibility to turn this newly established chaos into the ultimate victory.