diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
index 7ef89572c..666bccc70 100644
--- a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -1,15 +1,22 @@
+#### 📁 Related issues
+
 <!-- 
-Things to check before submitting a pull request:
-  * Label this PR with the correct semver label (if you have permission to do so).
+Reference any relevant issues here. Closing keywords only have an effect when targeting the main branch. If there are no related issues, you must first create an issue through https://github.com/solid/community-server/issues/new/choose
+-->
+
+#### ✍️ Description
+
+<!-- Describe the relevant changes in this PR. Also add notes that might be relevant for code reviewers. -->
+
+
+### ✅ PR check list
+
+Before this pull request can be merged, a core maintainer will check whether
+  * [ ] this PR is labeled with the correct semver label
     - semver.patch: Backwards compatible bug fixes.
     - semver.minor: Backwards compatible feature additions.
     - semver.major: Breaking changes. This includes changing interfaces or configuration behaviour.
-  * Target the correct branch. Patch updates can target main, other changes should target the latest versions/* branch.
-  * Update the RELEASE_NOTES.md document in case of relevant feature or config changes.
--->
+  * [ ] the correct branch is targeted. Patch updates can target main, other changes should target the latest versions/* branch.
+  * [ ] the RELEASE_NOTES.md document in case of relevant feature or config changes.
 
-#### Related issues
-<!-- Reference any relevant issues here. Closing keywords only have an effect when targeting the main branch. -->
-
-#### Description
-<!-- Describe the relevant changes in this PR. Also add notes that might be relevant for code reviewers. -->
+<!-- Try to check these to the best of your abilities before opening the PR -->