Back-to-school season can be equally exciting and nerve-wracking. After spending a summer hanging out with friends, spending quality time with family, or simply just laying low, it’s time to get back into the hustle and bustle that the fall season brings. Farewell summer nights and hello study sessions! Here are a few Back-to-School survival tips for our Gen Z Latinas heading back to college! 

Splurge on a Back-to-School Wardrobe 

You deserve to look and feel your best. Treat yourself as you take on the start of a brand new academic year. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for your back-to-school wardrobe:   

  • Versatile Pieces: Invest in quality pieces that you’ll be able to mix and match. Think “closet staples” and search for pieces that are a must have in your wardrobe. 
  • Cultural Flair: Add your own flair and make your personal style exactly that–your own. As a Latina, it’s natural to gravitate towards adding color, texture, or even handmade items to our outfits. Add a pop of color with a red shoe, texture with a sequin skirt, and woven handmade bags and backpacks from your local artisans.  
  • Comfort and Functionality: Comfort is key. Wear something that you will be able to make it through even on your longest days. Wear comfortable sneakers if you do a lot of walking on campus. Invest in your comfort–it’ll make all the difference when getting through the day moving from class to class. 

Decorate and Personalize Your Space 

Whether you’re living in the dorms on campus or commuting back home or to an apartment with roommates, create a space that you can call your own. Maximize your space and make it meet your needs. 

  • Personalization: Personalizing your space can mean putting the smallest touches. Bring your favorite plush toy or blanket to make the space yours and make it feel good. Put up art pieces or posters, or create a vision board of everything you want for yourself as you embark on your educational journey. 
  • Budget-Friendly Decor: DIY (Do It Yourself) is the simplest and most affordable way to decorate your space. Browse through Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok to gather inspiration for small DIY projects. Go thrift shopping, stop by local yard sales, or even browse through reselling apps like OfferUp for great deals on different finds.  
  • Productive Environment: Productivity is everything you need to be successful in college. Make sure your space is set up in a way that will minimize distractions and motivate you to be your most productive self at all times.  

Echale Ganas While Prioritizing Your Physical and Mental Health 

In the words of our first-gen supporters, “ponte las pilas y échale ganas,” now put that into the Next Gen perspective and get your work done while prioritizing your mental and physical health. 

  • Mental Health: Look for different resources that focus on mental health that are available to students and take note of what counseling services your campus has to offer. Navigating higher education as a Latina, and maybe even a first generation college student, can be overwhelming and challenging, so it’s better to be prepared and seek help when needed. Taking care of your mental health is such an important piece of the puzzle and it should definitely take priority. 
  • Physical Health: Take advantage of your campus gym, enroll in workout classes that are available for units as electives, or look into joining an intramural sports team. This way you’re able to stay on top of your physical health, get those much-needed endorphins, and make some friends while doing so! It’s a win-win! Don’t forget to stay hydrated–invest in an emotional support water bottle and remember to drink water throughout the day. 
  • Mindfulness: Finding a moment of quiet throughout the day is a luxury. Dedicate 5-10 minutes to yourself daily to journal or meditate to bring calmness and peace of mind. Calm and quiet your mind while deepening the connection between your body and soul.  

Build Your Community 

No matter where you may find yourself in life, having a community of people that you can lean on makes all the difference. Whether you find a community through roommates, classmates, family, friends, coworkers, etc. it is important to have people you can reach out to for help, support, or simply just someone that will listen.   

  • Fostering Connections: Make connections with people in your inner and outer circle. Find individuals who are in similar situations as yourself to have someone to relate to. 
  • Support Networks: Join community groups, student organizations, intramurals, recreational groups, book clubs, or other spaces on campus that will encourage you to make connections. 
  • Cultural Pride: Find other Latinas! We find ourselves in a unique place in higher education, and nothing would help more than having someone to share those challenges with and a community to celebrate todos nuestros logros! 

Career Planning and Personal Development 

It’s never too early to start thinking about the future and where you see yourself post graduation. 

  • Internships and Work Experience: Apply for internships or part-time jobs within your field of interest to explore new realms, and see if what you have in mind is a right fit for you. These opportunities could open many doors and create new professional connections. 
  • Networking and Mentorship:  Attend on-campus career fairs, reach out to professionals in your industry of interest, seek help from career advisors, volunteer, and put yourself out there! Networking opportunities are endless and can only be beneficial as you begin your career search. 
  • Long-Term Planning: MANIFEST your dream career! Think about what it is you would want to do and be passionate about. Jot down small notes about what you would want from a career and put it out into the universe! It’s never too early to start thinking about the future, and as you embark on your journey, remember that it’s also never too late to make a change either!  

¡Muy buena suerte and have an amazing academic year!

¡Si se puede!