Habits to Bring into the New Academic Year: Starting 2026 Strongly
The beginning of the academic year is an important window for students to determine how their year ahead will unfold. Prior to the commencement of Term One, still have time to reset and establish new habits which support them in achieving their personal best.
Getting Organised
Simple habits to enhance your organisation are central to a successful routine which manages school stress, prepares students for assessments, and allows them to enjoy a balanced lifestyle.
These habits can be as small as:
- Putting key dates and assessments – including SACs, IA submissions, Semester Exams, and KATs – in an academic diary or personal calendar
- Creating daily and weekly homework or study schedules
- Setting time-based goals for revision and assessments
Creating A Distraction-Free Environment
It is important that students discover early what conditions are conducive to them producing their best work. A significant factor in student’s working productively is the creation of a distraction-free environment in which they can consistently study. Students should practice putting their phone away before studying and find a space which has all the necessary study materials, is removed from loud noises, and is suited for academic work. Although this adjustment is only small, a student’s study space will reflect the quality of their work and therefore facilitate a crucial shift in mindset towards work.
Staying Afloat – Keeping up with Notetaking and Class Content
It is often the small and every day, albeit consistent, habits that will allow students to achieve their best in the long term. Ensuring that students are up to date with their subject content and notetaking at the end of every week is the first step to being ready for revision when the time arrives later in the term.
Term One is a great time to experiment with what works best for each individual, with some strategies being:
- Practising reverse learning: Complete notetaking before each class and adding to them where necessary throughout the lesson.
- Daily notetaking: Notes for classes are finished at the end of every day ahead of the next day’s class.
- Creating summary notes or mind maps at the end of each topic.
Asking Questions
Perhaps the best habit to bring into 2026 is the habit of asking questions. Students should view their teachers and tutors as valuable resources and become comfortable with accepting help. By making a note of problems encountered during homework, not being afraid to ask questions in class and tutoring sessions, emailing teachers drafts, asking for feedback, and organising one-on-one meetings, students will gain the most from their school experience and the expertise of those available and willing to support them.
The Avivo Approach
At Avivo, students can be supported in developing these habits and starting a new year with confidence and intention. Whether this be through our customised goal setting task or merely the consistency of a distraction free study space, Avivo one on one tutoring facilitates students in planning for the term and trialling new study methods. How students start the year truly matters and, with Avivo, students can implement and personalise these habits and create a weekly routine which holds them to account.
If you feel now is the time to engage a tutor, please complete our enquiry form and we will be touch to discuss your child's learning needs.
Written by Sonia Francis | Founder | Managing Director | Avivo Elite Tutoring