13 Back-to-School Rituals That No Longer Exist
Many once-common back-to-school traditions have quietly disappeared, replaced by modern habits and digital tools.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Back-to-school season used to come with specific routines that marked the end of summer and the start of a new chapter. Some of these were school rules, while others were social customs that shaped how students prepared. Over time, changing technology, different parenting styles, and school policy shifts have made many of these rituals obsolete.
1. Planning the First-Day Outfit Weeks in Advance
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In the past, picking out a first-day outfit was something many kids spent weeks obsessing over. It was often tied to identity, confidence, and the hope of making a good impression. This was especially common in middle and high school, where personal style started to matter more. Today, with casual dress codes and fast fashion, many students no longer give any special wardrobe attention on the first day of school.
2. Wrapping Textbooks with Grocery Bags
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Schools used to hand out textbooks that students had to return in good condition at the end of the year. To protect them, many kids used brown paper grocery bags as DIY covers. It became common practice, and some schools even required it. With most schools shifting to digital textbooks or classroom-only materials, this is no longer a routine task.
3. The Back-to-School Haircut Tradition
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Getting a fresh haircut before school started was once a widely accepted norm. Parents often scheduled it the week before classes began to ensure kids looked “presentable.” Salons and barbershops saw a noticeable increase in appointments in late August. Now, with relaxed dress codes and less focus on formal appearances, fewer families treat it as a must.
4. Last-Minute School Supply Runs
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Every year, school supply lists would come home or get posted, and families would rush to stores like Walmart or Staples. Many parents and students waited until the night before school started, creating a last-minute shopping rush. Finding specific items like “three-ring binders with tabs” or a “Texas Instruments calculator” was common. Now, with minimal supply needs and shared digital resources, these chaotic shopping trips are less frequent.
5. Labeling All Your Belongings
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Students used to write their names on everything from lunchboxes to glue sticks to avoid losing items. Teachers often encouraged this to reduce confusion in class and the lost-and-found pile. Some students even used sticker labels or name stamps for faster marking. With fewer shared supplies and more take-home technology, labeling everything is no longer necessary.
6. Writing the “What I Did This Summer” Essay
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On the first day or during the first week, many teachers assigned an essay asking students to write about their summer break. It was a simple writing exercise that helped ease students back into routine. Most students either exaggerated their stories or struggled to find anything interesting to say. Today, fewer teachers use this prompt, and some skip it entirely to focus on curriculum from day one.
7. Decorating and Organizing Your Locker
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Lockers were once a major part of middle and high school life. Students decorated them with photos, mirrors, and organizers to make them feel more personal. Learning your combination and getting to your locker in time between classes took practice. Now, many schools limit or no longer assign lockers due to space, safety policies, or reduced use of physical books.
8. Reuniting with Friends on the School Bus
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The school bus ride used to be a time when students caught up with classmates they hadn’t seen all summer. Some sat in the same seat every day, and bus routes created their own social groups. That first ride back was often filled with excitement or nerves. These days, many students are driven by parents, carpool, or attend online school, so the bus is less central.
9. Finding Out Who’s in Your Class
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Before digital schedules, students often found out their teachers and classmates on the first day of school. The news came through in posted class lists or printed schedules handed out at orientation. Students would quickly check who was in their class and where they were sitting. Now, many students get schedules through apps or emails ahead of time, removing the surprise.
10. Showing Off New School Shoes
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Buying new shoes specifically for school was once a small but meaningful ritual for many kids. It symbolized a fresh start, and some students took pride in keeping their sneakers clean for as long as possible. Stores like Payless, Foot Locker, and department stores saw heavy traffic in late summer. Today, many kids wear the same shoes year-round, and social trends change so fast that shoe buying is more continuous.
11. Choosing the Right Cafeteria Table
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Where students sat during lunch used to matter a lot, especially in middle and high school. Many kids returned to the same table each year, and switching groups could feel socially risky. Day one meant finding a table with your friends or navigating where you fit in. Some schools now have flexible seating, staggered lunch times, or assigned seats, making lunchroom dynamics more relaxed.
12. School Picture Day Being a Big Deal
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School photo day used to be a major event. Parents picked out outfits, hair was styled carefully, and students practiced smiling. The final photo ended up in yearbooks, student IDs, and frames at home. Now, with casual dress and students taking daily photos on their phones, the significance of school picture day has faded.
13. Holding Your Printed Class Schedule
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Students used to receive printed schedules with their classes, room numbers, and teacher names. These papers were often folded and kept in binders or pockets for the first few weeks. Everyone learned to navigate the building and memorize the timing of classes. Today, schedules are usually sent digitally through school apps or portals, and changes are made online.