While we all wish that summer would last all year, there are some perks to autumn coming round again. For young ones this season represents the start of a new school year, which means...

Seeing old friends:

For many of us, summer means time with the family or maybe even out of town on holiday or at summer camp. While all of these are amazing ways to spend July and August, they mean that you won't have seen many of your school friends for a couple of months. Catching up with peers at the start of a new school year is definitely something to look forward to.

Back to school shopping:

This is peak season in the world of retail and that means sales. There's everything from shoes, to coats, to backpacks. Autumn is here, and a new wardrobe (or at least small additions to your old one) is definitely in order. Go back to school in style!

New pencil case:

One of my favourite memories of school was all the brand-new supplies that I would get. There's no better feeling then sitting at your new desk, in your new classroom and opening up your new pencil case inclusive of highlighters, pens, pencils, markers, glue, erasers and so much more. One visit to a stationers and you'll be ready to conquer your year.

New teacher:

For those of you who loved your previous teacher, this may seem like a sad thing. However, you mustn't think of it that way. A new teacher should be thought of as a fresh chance to be inspired, to change the way you think about things, and approach problem solving.

New things to learn:

After a year of going over the same topics, reading the same authors, and doing what feels like the same assignments, you're probably well ready for something different. A new year ,means a new reading list, new courses, and new assignments. Forget about all the topics you struggled to grasp in 2009-2010, it's 2010-2011 now, and it's your year.

New friends:

While we already addressed the pleasure that comes from reconnecting with old friends, there has been no mention of meeting new friends. A new school year means the possibility of new people in your class. Whether they've transferred from another class in your school, or a different school altogether, it doesn't matter. This is your chance to make unique connections and expand your horizons. See, going back to school isn't all bad.

As much as we all wish summer lasted forever, the truth is, if there were no school, we wouldn't appreciate summer as much as we do.