Chances are, your kid doesn’t like their uniform, but the benefits of having one speak for themselves: There seems to be a correlation (but not necessarily a cause-and-effect relationship) between wearing a school uniform and improved student performance and academic achievement, according to a study by Walden University’s Attilah Brookshire. “Students in schools with school uniforms had a significantly more positive perception of security and maintenance, teacher relationships, and parent and community-school relationships.” Part of the benefit of uniforms is that it reduces how much students think about what their peers are wearing in comparison to what they are wearing, and are therefore able to redirect that time and mental energy towards schoolwork. Other research has even indicated that schools adopting a uniform policy saw declines in felonies and gang activities, according to Brookshire.

Kids whose schools do not require uniforms (and college students) now face the daunting task of selecting their back-to-school apparel. The first few days of the year can feel stressful as students want to make a good first impression, so parents are encouraged to let their young ones’ clothing preferences be the guide when embarking on that September shopping spree, clothing expert Shelly Brier says. That doesn’t necessarily mean letting your six-year-old choose to wear their pajamas to school everyday, but it might be wise to limit your role as a fashion consultant to “guiding friend.”

As for university students living alone for the first time, your interior decor can be just as influential as your wardrobe. The internet as a whole (and platforms like Pinterest in particular) can overwhelm even the most savvy among us, so we suggest keeping comfort and coziness as your two top priorities when decorating your dorm room or apartment. The Independent has put together a list of 8 essentials to bring along to your new home. Once you settle in, other things you need will become apparent as days go by.