Growing up, I always looked forward to back-to-school season.
I loved buying new school supplies, picking out new clothes, organizing my desk, and starting a new planner. Those yearly traditions officially marked the end of summer and the beginning of fall. But once I moved from being a student to a working adult, I found myself missing those rituals.
Now, I like to treat the last few weeks of summer as if I’m heading back to school, and instead reset everything in my life.
So whether you’ve just graduated, or graduated many years ago (like me), or are still in the classroom, embracing this kind of seasonal reset can help you say goodbye to summer and welcome fall with intention.
Here are 10 ways I’m embracing that back-to-school spirit as an adult:
1. Marie Kondo your home 🧹
I know most people prefer a spring deep clean, but early fall is the ideal time for me. When work starts to ramp up and consume more of my time, coming home to a clean home makes me feel SO much calmer and less scattered.
I like to Marie Kondo my space (IYKYK) by going through closets (growing up, my siblings and I would try on our entire wardrobe, and see what still fit), drawers, and shelves to declutter and reorganize. Plus, anything you don’t want or need anymore can be sold, donated, or recycled.
A deep clean not only refreshes your home, but also your mind. And there’s something so satisfying about walking into a tidy, intentional space ready for the season ahead.
2. Get your finances in order 💵
I know finances and back-to-school season don’t really go hand in hand, but I think it’s the perfect time for a financial check-up.
I like to use this time to take a closer look at my credit card bills, savings accounts, investments, and typical expenses. I’ll also often find an old subscription I don’t need anymore, or get a reality check that maybe I need to spend less on coffee.
This can help you recalibrate after a spendy summer, and take a more mindful approach to spending throughout the rest of the year.
3. Start meal prepping 🥙
I always LOVED opening my lunchbox as a kid, and seeing what treats my parents packed for me. But these days, I mostly work from home, and sometimes get so busy that takeout becomes the default.
Planning and prepping meals ahead is my way of A. making lunch feel intentional again, and B. bringing a little of that childhood lunchbox excitement back. And even if you’re still learning how to cook, services like HelloFresh or Goodfood make it super easy to get back into a routine.
4. Go shopping 🛍️
I know many of us LOVED school supplies shopping as kids, so why not relive it now? Grab a new notebook, some fun pens, fresh sticky notes, or anything that makes your desk feel exciting and ready for the season.
And after you’ve cleaned out your wardrobe, you can pick up timeless pieces your closet actually needs, like a cozy sweater, classic jeans, or a new pair of shoes (I just got my first pair of Vessi‘s!).
These are some of my most favourite ways to bring back that first day of school excitement… for adults!
5. Schedule your appointments 📆
As kids, my siblings and I always had our annual doctors and dentist appointments before heading back to school, and I still think back-to-school is the perfect time to get those important appointments out of the way.
Check in with your doctor or gynecologist, book that overdue dentist visit, shop for new prescription eyeglasses, or get your yearly flu shot. Beyond all the medical stuff, it’s also a great time for a fresh haircut, facial, eyebrow threading, or even a mani-pedi. Booking everything at once (before I get too busy with work) always helps me start the season feeling my very best.
6. Update your CV and portfolio 👩🏻💻
Even as adults, fall is a great time to get organized and prep for whatever is ahead. That’s why every September, I try and make it a habit to grab my laptop, head to a café, and give my CV and portfolio a refresh by adding new skills, projects, or accomplishments from the past year.
Keeping everything up to date will give you confidence, and make you ready for any opportunities that come your way.
7. Take a LinkedIn class 📚
I think fall is the perfect time to keep learning, because it feels just like heading back to school. I’m currently taking a UI/UX class on LinkedIn Learning (but you can also explore MasterClass or even Skillshare) and private Adobe Photoshop classes, and it feels so satisfying to grow in skills I really care about.
Whether it’s brushing up on a professional skill, exploring a creative hobby, or diving into something you’ve always wanted to try, learning something new adds purpose and excitement to your routine.
8. Pick up a new hobby 🎨
In addition to going back to class, fall always meant jumping back into fun activities like school clubs, sports teams, art lessons, and after-school activities. As an adult, it’s easy to let that kind of playfulness fade away, but the back-to-school season is the perfect excuse to shake things up and try something new.
Think about activities you’ve always been curious about but never made time for, or maybe revisit something you loved as a kid and see how it feels now. Personally, I’ve been eyeing yoga classes, and maybe even trying ceramics for the first time. But you could also explore voice lessons, hiking, salsa dancing, pickleball, photography… the options are endless!
9. Map out goals for the rest of the year ✍🏻
Sometimes the New Year’s resolutions we set at the beginning of the year can feel very far away at this point, so I like to use this time of year to pause, reflect, and set goals for the rest of the year.
They don’t have to be anything life-changing (unless you want them to be). It could be something like reading more books, taking yourself on more solo dates, start walking a little more every day, or cutting screen time before bed.
10. Plan an upcoming trip ✈️
When I was a student, I always counted down the days to Christmas break or spring break. Knowing a fun road trip or family getaway was on the horizon made even the toughest weeks of the semester more bearable.
Now, as an adult, I try to recreate that feeling by planning something to look forward to. Whether it’s a cottage weekend getaway, a holiday trip, or a road trip with friends, having a trip on the calendar can add a little extra excitement to your everyday routine.
So remember: back-to-school season isn’t just for students. Whether you try one or all of these 10 ways, embracing that back-to-school mindset can bring fresh energy and purpose to your life as the seasons change.
Here’s to starting this fall on the right foot!
The Lilac Blog 