How to Get Ready for School (for Girls)

Co-authored by Mel Shipman

Last Updated: January 6, 2023 Approved

Do you have what it takes to get ready for school? If you're not sure what you need to do to be properly prepared for a day at school, you'll find some helpful suggestions here, from dressing to packing lunch and supplies.

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:

Getting Ready The Night Before

1
Lay out tomorrow's outfit the night before. This will allow you to save time in the morning by being able to get dressed quickly instead of looking for an outfit to wear. Plus you don't have to stress out about what to wear.
- If you didn't have time to get clothes the night before, but you woke up very early, use this extra time to choose your outfit. If you're in a rush, opt for what you know always looks good on you or your school uniform.
- Don't worry about the perfect outfit; just choose what you're comfortable wearing.
- Check the forecast to avoid wearing a coat and fleecy pants in 90 degree weather.
2
Confirm that your homework is done. If your homework is not done make sure to wake up early and use that early time like said previously.
- If homework is incomplete, work on it during the evening, before school, during study hall, or even during lunch (or another break), if it is due that day.
- If you find yourself with incomplete homework day after day, re-evaluate your plan for doing your homework.
Advertisement
3
Get a good night's sleep. Remember: sleep begets sleep! Falling asleep late can cause you to be late, and not have enough time to get ready the following morning.
- Try to set a time before bed each night where all your electronics are put away or turned off. Allow yourself 20-30 minutes of mental relaxation to gradually let your body fall asleep naturally.
- Have your alarm set if you use one, you don't want to wake up realizing school has already started!

Part 2

Part 2 of 5:

Waking Up

1
Wake up early. Ideally, wake up an hour to an hour and a half before you leave for school. The earlier you get up, the more time you will have to get ready for school.
- If needed, start going to bed earlier. It is impossible to perform to your fullest potential if you are only half awake during class.
2
It's a good idea to wash your face straight away, that way you are more awake and you have a clean face.

Part 3

Part 3 of 5:

Grooming

1
Take a shower. If you have morning showers, have one first thing, so that you can get dressed. If you only shower at night, skip this step.
- Wash your whole body every day. People will be happy to hang around with you if you have a pleasant smell, but they will most-likely stay away from you if you don't.
- Wash your hair at least every other day or every two days. If your hair gets tangled easily, or you like your hair looking shiny, condition your hair every single time it gets wet. Never use a brush after taking a shower (unless your brush is made for wet hair); use only a comb on wet hair.
2
Dress to impress.
- Remember that there are still ways to express your individual style if you have a uniform.
- Dress for the season- don't wear shorts and a tank top in the winter!
3
Apply deodorant. This will keep you smelling fresh throughout the day.
4
Wash your face with a good facial cleanser and warm water. After your face is cleansed, apply moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type.
5
Brush your teeth. Don't forget to do this; brushing your teeth gives you fresh breath, as well as that important resilience against cavities.
- Remember to brush the roof of your mouth and your tongue.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day. If you are rushed in the morning, hold off on the flossing until the night, so you will have the time to do a good job.
- Chew whitening gum if you absolutely cannot brush your teeth, but try to do this as little as possible.
6
Do your makeup. If you want to (and are allowed to), of course. Take your time (but remember that time frittered on doing makeup is time not spent sleeping, eating healthy breakfast, doing homework or relaxing; makeup isn't essential for school life).
- If you are curling your eyelashes, do so before putting on mascara.
- If you want your eyelashes to appear thick without eyeliner, focus the mascara at the base of your lashes so that it looks like you spent more time with eyeshadow and eyeliner.
- Go for the natural look. This includes only wearing lip gloss or balm and a big smile.
- School isn't a fashion show, so don't go too heavy. Test out new makeup before you wear it to school and make sure your parents and your school allow you to wear makeup.
7
Style your hair. Check out some quick hairstyles for school.
- Before you style your hair, comb or brush your hair out.
- Try not to use curling irons or flat irons every day because too much direct heat can ruin hair.

Part 4

Part 4 of 5:

Preparing Food

1
Eat a well-balanced, healthy breakfast.
- Never skip breakfast, or else you will feel tired throughout the day.
2
Pack your lunch, or bring money to buy lunch, if needed. Try packing lunch the day before if it's too rushed in the morning.
- Make sure you have enough food. Try to keep a nonperishable snack in your bag in case you get hungry.
3
Brush your teeth. Don't forget to do this before you leave; brushing your teeth gives you fresh breath, as well as that important resilience against cavities.
- Remember to brush the roof of your mouth and your tongue.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day. If you are rushed in the morning, hold off on the flossing until the night, so you will have the time to do a good job.
- Chew whitening gum if you absolutely cannot brush your teeth, but try to do this as little as possible.

Part 5

Part 5 of 5:

Leaving for School

1
Check yourself again in the mirror before you leave for school. You don't want to arrive at school in your pajama bottoms!
2
Check that you have the necessary items and gear. These include:
- Transportation money/bus pass. It's good to have this at all times, just in case Mom can't pick you up suddenly.
- A jacket. Even if it's summer, bringing a light cardigan is ideal just in case the weather gets colder.
- Your lunch and/or lunch money.
- Your school-issued (or personal) device if you need it for that day. Throw in the charger as well.
- Your homework. This is most important, as the assignment would get marked as missing/late if it's still at home.
3
Leave for school with your head up, your mind ready to learn and a big smile on your face!
- Don't fuss over what others think of you; do your best to be a confident, well groomed and pleasantly presented person and be kind and thoughtful to others and your good reputation will precede you.

Community Q&A

Question

What can I do before school when I'm done getting ready and have extra time?

Community Answer

You can revise your lessons or prepare for tests if you have any. Just be sure to put your books back in your bag.
Question

Is it better to get everything done the night before or wait until the morning?

Community Answer

In my opinion, if you're not a morning person, getting prepared at night is better. You won't stress last minute about forgetting your stuff before leaving.
Question

Any tips for getting up earlier in the morning?

Community Answer

To get up earlier in the morning, set your alarm and put it away from your bed so you have to get up to turn it off. Also, set everything out the night before that you'll need to get ready in the morning.

Warnings

Never break your school's dress code or your parent's rules. It's not worth getting in trouble just because you wanted to wear your new shorts.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 494 Not Helpful 68
Be careful not to burn yourself when using a curling iron or a flat iron.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 448 Not Helpful 89