The Year 12 Starter Kit

The 2015 Year 12 exams have not yet begun, but it’s already time for the next generation to step up to the plate. Starting Year 12 can be a bit scary, what with the future looming over you and all, but if you come prepared with our Year 12 Starter Kit, it’ll be smooth sailing from here on out (-ish – sadly, we cannot see the exact future, but we’re sure you’ll be okay).

1. Stationery

Pop on down to your local Officeworks and get shopping. You’re gonna need heaps of highlighters, folders, notecards, Post-Its, notebooks, and any other random sh*t you find in there that catches your attention (after all, that’s what Officeworks is all about, isn’t it?). Find a type of pen you like and buy loads of them – you’ve got a lot of writing ahead of you.

2. Calendar

Make your own, use one the school has given you, go out and buy your favourite celeb’s 2015-2016 calendar. Get organised early by writing down assessment dates, exam dates, uni application dates, and school holiday dates, as well as parties, events, sports dates etc. You can even colour code them if you want (I’m not saying that’s what I would do, but I’m not…not saying it). That way, you won’t have to fuss about so much later, you’ll know when everything is happening and everything is due, and you can see the things you have to look forward to as well.

3. Teachers

Think Taylor Swift and her squad, except your squad is your teachers. Get to know them, and you’ll be able to use them as a support system throughout the year. It’s going to be a huge help if you know you have them on your side, helping and supporting you no matter how many practice essays you email them at 12 A.M. on Sunday night.

4. Friends

There’s always going to be drama in high school, but with the right group of friends, you’ll be able to make it through your last year unscathed (hopefully). Your friends will be your support, and you will be theirs. You can help each other study, complain to them about your workload, and make sure no one totally loses themselves to stress.

5. Music

You’re going to need a lot of music to tide you over this year. Make study playlists, party playlists, relaxing playlists. Start a playlist called Year 12 (or something less boring but also related, or with more emojis) and fill it up over the year with your favourite new songs, anthems of the year, and songs that come to remind you of people, places and events. All of your emotions will go into this playlist, and you can listen to it back at the end of the year, or in a few years’ time, should you feel so inclined, and relive it all.

 6. Computer Storage

Take it from me – BACK UP YOUR WORK! Save everything you write, even if it’s just notes or ideas, because you will almost definitely need it later. Make sure you make copies of important documents like major works, essays and assignments, and have them on USBs or external hard drives so if your computer crashes halfway through the year (like mine did) you don’t lose everything (like I did).

7. Ps

Last but not least, having your Ps is an integral part of Year 12 life. From being able to get up a little later in the morning because you can drive to school, to zipping down to Maccas at lunch and the beach in your free period, it’s easier to hang out with friends, take a study break at the shops, or jet off on an end-of-school road trip. Having your Ps is just a little bit of freedom granted in a year that’s otherwise pretty serious.