Top 10 Tips to Beat Back-to-School Blues for IB Students

Starting a new school year in the International Baccalaureate programme can feel like a fresh start and a steep climb. Whether you’re entering Year 1 or preparing for final exams, returning to school after summer brings its own challenges.

This guide is full of practical back-to-school tips for IB students, designed to help you ease the transition, stay focused, and start the academic year with structure, motivation, and a clear strategy.

Get Organised from Day One

The first few weeks of the school year set the rhythm for everything that follows. This is when your habits and routines start to take shape, so it’s worth being intentional.

Good organisation isn’t just about neat notes or colour-coded flashcards. It means building a routine that balances schoolwork, activities, and downtime, which you can maintain throughout the year. 

Here are some simple things to set up:

• Note down key dates for Internal Assessments, mock exams, and final exams
• Block time for regular weekly review and homework
• Reserve breaks and personal time to stay balanced
• Add reminders for Extended Essay or CAS milestones if you’re in Year 2

By writing things down, you’re more likely to stay accountable. The earlier you build this routine, the less overwhelming the IB programme will feel.

Discover How You Learn Best

Everyone learns differently, so take time after the summer break to reset and figure out what study methods work best for you. Understanding your learning style early can make your study time much more effective.

Spend some time reflecting on how you study most effectively:

• Do you focus better on studying alone, or do you learn more through discussion in a group?
• Do visuals like diagrams, colour coding, or mind maps help you make sense of complex topics?
• Do you remember more when you read aloud, take handwritten notes, or listen to explanations?

Once you figure out your preferences, adjust your environment to suit you. This can dramatically improve the quality of your study time and help you make steady progress.

Don’t Delay Your IB Core

The IB Core elements include Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay (EE). These are essential for earning your diploma. While it may feel separate from your subjects, it adds to your overall workload.

If you’re in Year 1, learn what each part requires. If you’re in Year 2, aim to finish early so you can focus on your exams. Here are a few useful goals to stay on track:

• Submit your final Extended Essay draft by December
• Plan your IB TOK essay or presentation well in advance
• Update your IB CAS reflections regularly instead of leaving them until the end

Finishing the Core early gives you more breathing room later in the year and helps you stay on top of your IB workload.

Use the IB Syllabus as Your Guide

Your subject syllabi are not just for teachers. They are handy tools for IB students’ back-to-school preparation, especially after a long break. Each syllabus outlines what you need to know for the exams, helping you study purposefully.

• Keep track of what topics you’ve already covered
• Mark what you need to review or don’t understand yet
• Check what content you’ll be tested on, so you don’t waste time on unnecessary topics

Use your syllabus as a checklist. Colour-code topics by confidence. Use green for strong, orange for review, red for help needed. This keeps you focused on what matters most, especially when returning to routine after summer.

Prioritise According to Grade Weight

When your workload grows, it’s essential to accept that not everything needs to be done perfectly. Rather than spreading yourself too thin, focus on the tasks and assessments that impact your final grades most.

Check how each part of your course is weighted. Look at how much each paper counts, how much your Internal Assessment contributes, and which coursework is worth the most marks. This helps you manage your time better and catch up effectively after the summer break.

Revise Weekly, Not Just Before Exams

Last-minute revision often leads to stress and weak understanding. Instead, build regular review sessions into your weekly routine to stay on top of your learning and avoid burnout.

Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Set aside a short review session each week for every subject
• Use active recall techniques like flashcards, practice quizzes, or writing summary notes
• Revisit older topics regularly to keep them fresh in your mind

This steady routine strengthens memory, deepens understanding, and builds confidence, which is especially useful when trying to rebuild student motivation after summer break.

Break Down Big Assignments Into Steps

It’s tempting to delay big assignments, but taking just 30 minutes to plan early can make a big difference. Start by reading the instructions carefully and ensuring you understand what’s expected.

Break the task into smaller steps like research, outlining, and drafting. Then set mini-deadlines in your planner. This approach reduces procrastination and gives you more control over your workload. It’s a simple yet effective form of academic support for back to school.

Speak Up When You Need Help

Teachers are there to help, but may not always notice when you’re struggling. If a topic is unclear or you’re falling behind, speak up early and ask for support before it becomes more challenging to manage.

If you need extra help, TutorsPlus back-to-school tutoring provides one-on-one sessions with experienced IB teachers. Support is available online and in-person in Geneva, Zurich, and Lausanne. We also cater to students located in different parts of the world.

A private tutor can guide you through challenging subjects, help with your Internal Assessment or Extended Essay, and strengthen your exam techniques. It is a great way to rebuild confidence and stay on track after the summer break.

Balance School with Well-being

The IB can feel intense, especially after a relaxed summer. To stay focused and avoid burnout, looking after your physical and emotional well-being is essential. 

To support your back-to-school mental health and keep motivation steady:

• Eat nourishing meals and stay hydrated
• Move your body regularly through sports, walking, or stretching
• Get enough rest each night to support concentration and memory
• Make time for friendships, hobbies, and relaxing activities

Staying well means more than just getting good grades. Whether through counselling, coaching, or talking with someone you trust, getting back-to-school emotional support helps you stay balanced and motivated throughout the year.

Keep Doing What You Love

Academic success doesn’t mean giving up the things you enjoy. Doing something creative or relaxing often improves focus and lowers stress.

Make time for music, gaming, hiking, painting, or whatever makes you happy. These activities give balance and help you stay motivated throughout the year. This is especially important for students in international schools in Switzerland, adjusting to a new school rhythm.

Final Thoughts: Start Strong, Stay Steady

Going back to school after summer break is a big transition. But with the right tools and support, it becomes an opportunity to start fresh and build good habits.

Remember that consistency beats perfection, whether you’re easing into a new routine or aiming for top marks. Take things one step at a time, and don’t hesitate to seek academic coaching or TutorsPlus academic support in Switzerland if you need help.

If you’re ready to support your child’s return to school, our team has tailored tutoring, revision support, and guidance from qualified IB educators. Contact us at +41 022 731 8148 or to book a free trial or learn more.

By Sara Lloyd 

Sara has been an education consultant for TutorsPlus for over 10 years and is an expert on international education in Switzerland.  She is also a parent of two lively children.