8 Tips to Help Ease Freshman Into High School

I remember starting high school and how nervous I was because I didn’t know what to expect. Luckily, I had older siblings and friends with older siblings that were at the high school and helped show us around and made us feel comfortable. There are so many new changes that you’ll experience as a high school student and a lot of important skills that you’ll learn that will last throughout your life. As you start the new school year as a freshman, keep in mind these 8 tips that will help you throughout your journey.

1. Be prepared – Make sure to get all of your school supplies ahead of time. Some teachers ask students to have particular items such as binders or highlighters. It’s especially important to go to class prepared every day. This seems like a simple task but a lot of students really struggle with this. Keep your materials organized in your backpack, papers in the correct folder, pens/pencils to use, calculator for math class and goggles for science. It’s better to be over prepared then underprepared and this is a skill that you will use as a college student and in your career.

2. Don’t be scared to ask for help! – High school is going to be a lot different than junior high in terms of studying, homework, activities you’re involved in, etc. If you’re noticing that you don’t understand the material in class, make sure you take the time to ask your teacher for help. Most teachers are available either before or after school and many schools also have tutoring times available for students during their study period at school. Don’t wait until the last minute to seek out help! There are many ways to get the help you need right at school.

3. Take time to visit the school before school starts – It’s going to seem overwhelming at first because you’re in a brand new building that’s probably a lot larger than you’re used to. If you can, try to visit your school the week before school starts and walk around to familiarize yourself with everything. You may even have an older sibling or friend that would be willing to go there with you and show you where things are. Note where the main office is, attendance office, dean’s office, counselor’s offices, and even try running your schedule so that you feel comfortable during the first week of school.

4. Manage your time – There is going to be a lot happening during your high school years and time management is crucial. As a high school student, you’re going to have to balance school, study and homework time, sports/activities you’re involved in, family, friends, and you time. That’s a lot! Try to map out a schedule for yourself so that you don’t feel swamped. Set aside certain times during the week that you will study and do your homework. Also, make sure to make time for yourself. Everyone needs a break and some downtime to relax and rejuvenate.

5. Get involved – There are so many activities and clubs that your school is going to offer! Take advantage of these and get involved. This will open up so many new doors for you and allow you to make friends and be social. Join a sport, get involved with music, theater or join a club. There’s something for everyone and high school is the time to try new things.

6. Be accepting of everyone – As a freshman, you might feel a little intimidated entering a new school with hundreds of other students. All of those other students are probably feeling the same way. Be open to talking to all sorts of people and making friends with someone that you may normally not have talked to. You want people to like you, right? So you have to be open and friendly to others as well.

7. Study and do your homework! – I know I sound like your parent or teacher right now, but it’s true! Some classes might be easy for you but there’s certainly going to be challenging ones that you’re going to have to work at. Getting into a regular study routine is a great idea and will pay off in the long run. If you study a little bit each night, then the quiz or test won’t seem like such a big deal. Make sure to do your homework on a regular basis, too. It might not seem like a big deal to blow off a couple of assignments but those can quickly add up and cause your grade to drop. Imagine this situation: You have an 88.9% in one of your classes but didn’t do about 8 of your homework assignments. If you did happen to do those 8 assignments, you might have ended up getting an A in the class! It’s not worth it to blow off homework assignments.

8. Have fun – Most importantly, HAVE FUN! High school is going to be some of the best years of your life where you will probably develop life-long friends. Stay safe and make good choices and even though it may seem stressful at times, you have to stay positive, stay focused and you will be successful. Good luck!

Written by Sarah Kochan

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