Like having to go to bed when it's still light outside, going back to school when it still feels like summer seems unfair, but a teen's gotta do what a teen's gotta do. So though summer may be ending, put a positive spin on things and look forward to an exciting year of new courses, new experiences, and possibly new friends. And if better grades are what's required, you'll need to start with a new attitude as well. Even if you're a great student, these tips can help you make sure you're at your very best when the school bell rings on that first day back.

– Be uniformly informed

Having to fork out money for a second pair of shoes because the first pair is 'not to code' means less money for that cute little outfit you want to have for grub day. So check your uniform guidelines for the correct socks, shoes and shirts, etc. Arguing with a teacher over a sweater means less time chatting with your pals. So get the uniform rules before you shop and show the world you're a winner, not a loser, before you leave home.

– Have an organised outlook

Make sure you know what day it is – especially tricky if your school follows a six-day cycle, and you can't remember if today is Day 1 or Day 3. Use a date planner or monthly calendar with empty boxes to mark out the days of the cycle next to the date on the calendar. Or take time to fill out your Microsoft Outlook calendar for a time-saving, paper-free option. Fill out a week's worth of timetable and then just copy and paste for the rest of the term. Then keep track of long-term assignments like course work essays or science projects by noting on the calendar daily or weekly deadlines to make sure everything's done on time. Mark in special dates like half-term holidays and school dances in a different colour – they stand out and it gives you something to look forward to.

– Create a study zone

If you want to be successful legally, then you have to work. Either you work one job now - being a student – or you'll find you have to work twice as hard later, when you leave school. Make working at home pleasant by creating a special area in your home to study. The fewer the distractions, the better. And while not everyone has his own room, and little brothers can be pests, if you have a designated area for study, and ask family members to respect your study time and place, you'll have the support you need for success. Make sure you have enough lighting and all the equipment you need: pens, pencils, dictionary, thesaurus and atlas, calculator and electrical outlet for your laptop. Allow yourself breaks to keep yourself fresh, but keep them to a minimum.

– Eat healthy

The key to success is a healthy, well-nourished body, and that means the right foods at the right times. So breakfast is a must, and the snacks and meals throughout the day should be the right combination of fruits, vegetables and protein. Avoid relying on junk and fast food to keep you going, though an after school treat with your pals can help break up the day. You are what you eat, so eat to be the very best you can be.

– Healthy mind, healthy body

While your main goal in school is to improve your mind, it won't be as easy if your body's in bad shape. The first line of defence against illness that keeps you out of class and away from your friends is good personal hygiene. A daily routine of bathing, brushing and flossing together with regular hand-washing will keep you healthy. Hair holds dirt and odour, and should be cared for with regular washing and appropriate hair care products depending on the type of hair you have and the style you choose to wear it in.

Exercise is essential to keep your mind focused and your body looking and feeling its best. Enjoy participating in PE class and take up at least one sport or physical activity for an extra curricular activity. You'll not only look good, but also feel better and concentrate more effectively in class.

And at the end of the day, get plenty of zzzzs. Staying up late and dozing in class is not the way to get good grades. Research has shown that teens actually need more sleep than younger kids, since the physical developments of the teen years increase the need for rest. Getting enough rest at night means you'll be fresh and alert for the challenges of the new day.

– Healthy spirit

Learning isn't limited to the classroom. Extra curricular activities like sports, drama and the school newspaper (or Young Observer) will expand your horizons while developing your skill sets, social circle and school spirit. Many schools require community service hours. Don't just do the time; take advantage of the opportunity to develop knowledge and networks that will help you beyond graduation. Those activities look great on CVs and may mean the difference between getting a $10,000 scholarship and having to work your way through college.

– Not just a pretty face

Most school dress codes discourage make up, and for teens it's probably best to keep the makeup for weekends anyway. The best thing you can do for your face – boy or girl – is to keep it clean to prevent acne. Wash your face gently with a cleanser for your skin type, and follow with a moisturiser, preferably with SPF of 30 or more. And if you do choose to wear makeup on the weekend, always remove it before going to sleep or working out to avoid clogged pores. If you have serious acne problems, ask your family doctor to recommend a dermatologist who can give you expert advice on how to treat it.

– Keep your perspective

Stress is part of life; the key is to manage it. When you feel the pressure, find positive ways to relieve it – jog, take a bike ride, or talk it out, with parent, friend or school counsellor. And keep your perspective; what you think is a disaster may really be no big deal, so pause for a moment, take deep breaths and take a second look before you go into crisis mode.

– Celebrate your humanity

You're human, not perfect, so give yourself a little slack. Instead of focusing on your flaws, focus on your fabulous facets. Remind yourself that you are loveable and capable of success in school and life. And do your friends, family and faculty members a favour – remember they're human, too.