Starting high school can scare many, but don't worry. In fact, you will find that it is not a desolate environment and that it pushes you to loneliness as it might seem at first glance. It will have a lot to offer thanks to the new subjects, the afternoon activities, the friendships you will make and the privileges you will get because you are older.
Steps
Step 1. Learn as much as possible about the school
If meetings are organized for prospective students, attend. Take the opportunity to get to know your new companions, to take a tour of the building and to clarify your doubts.
Step 2. Orient yourself
Most high schools don't usually schedule a specific day to welcome new students and take them around the facility, so go when you have time. Call the secretary to make sure there are no problems. Ask for a map and study it. Identify your class and other important points. If you can, walk around the school, remembering how to get around. Will you have a locker? Find it and practice to learn how to open it. Also, look for the library, gym, café, infirmary, and secretary.
Step 3. Get ready
Some older students may bother you. In most cases, don't take it personally - these people obviously haven't matured even a little, have self-esteem issues, and think they have the right to bully newcomers. If you have researched this article and are thinking about your future, chances are you have the right maturity to understand that you are better than them and, consequently, you should not waste your time offending yourself and giving them this satisfaction. Most of these bullies are harmless, but if you are worried (for example they start to annoy you heavily), feel free to talk to a teacher or a psychologist.
Step 4. Make friends, even with older students
They will prevent bullies from playing tricks on you and will often tell you their personal experiences regarding classes and teachers.
Step 5. Get involved
Participate in afternoon activities that seem interesting to you, such as music, sports, theater, and so on. It's easier to make new friends if you share the same passions with someone.
Step 6. Be modest
Remember it's freshman year of high school - there's nothing more obnoxious than being in front of someone who thinks they're older than they are.
Step 7. Put things in perspective
Sure, in eighth grade you were older and more experienced than first and second graders, but now you are a little fish in the ocean. Don't pretend you know everything. If older students give you advice, listen and follow it, if it sounds logical. Pay attention, so you will learn when to be serious and when you can relax. Don't let older guys bother you - stand up for yourself, because you're unique.
Step 8. Enjoy
You only go to high school once, so live this experience to the fullest.
Step 9. Call your friends in the summer
Try not to lose sight of them despite going to different schools. You shouldn't neglect your old acquaintances.
Advice
- Memorize the layout of the classrooms as soon as possible. It's not nice to be late because you couldn't find the class.
- Try to make friends with some nice older students. They can help you and introduce you to the school, so it will take you less time to discover it.
- Be kind to the teachers and the rest of the school staff, especially if you stay there even in the afternoon. Teachers tend to be more patient with educated pupils. Be nice and courteous, even if you usually aren't.
- Take advantage of the breaks. You will have a lot more homework to do at home than in middle school, so try to read or exercise whenever you have a free minute.
- Do not forget who you are. Try not to get overwhelmed by the fight for popularity, fights, teasing and so on. Avoiding these situations only simplifies the school experience. Also, don't get involved with people who have a certain flair for melodrama. Your life will be easier, because they will understand that you are not their ideal target.
- Don't judge others based on stereotypes. The goths, the emos, the preppies, the jocks and the nerds are very normal people, only characterized by different ideas and styles. Remember that everyone has the right to cultivate the thoughts and desires they prefer, and everyone just wants to be happy. Keep this in mind before making fun of someone.
- Expand horizons and meet new people. It may sound like a cliché, but it's actually a great idea. Dating other people can sometimes make you see life from a different point of view. Also, you are unlikely to find yourself in the same class as your friend, so it never hurts to find other people to talk to.
- If you find yourself in a difficult situation or your friends decide to move away from you, just remember that it's not the end of the world, however much it seems that way right now. Going to high school isn't just about making new friends. Sure it's nice to have someone you can rely on, but keep in mind that your priority is learning. Take advantage of your social problems to spend more time learning. Your grades will improve considerably and you won't have any unnecessary distractions.
- Try to make friends with different types of people. You may be introduced to other nice people and you will have tons of friends.
- Smile at people to show that you are nice and kind.
- Engage in an afternoon activity and make friends with both the teacher and your classmates. This experience could bring you numerous results and will help you find new friends and enrich your resume when looking for a job. In any case, choose one that interests you and offers a nice environment.
- If it is possible in your school to have a locker, use it - it will be much easier to organize yourself.
- If your older brother is in high school, take advantage of it and ask him questions for good advice.
- In some schools, you must always have an identification tag with you. If requested, remember that it is for your safety, however inconvenient it causes you. It will sound silly, but bring it. After a while, you'll get used to it.
Warnings
- Don't prepare yourself so much that you are more nervous than necessary. This will hurt you, it won't help you. Everyone faces this moment: you are not alone. Keep calm and do your best.
- During the first few days, don't act like you are superior to others, or older students may start to annoy you.
- Check the language. Avoid swearing, and pay attention, because they can escape you. Always talking badly doesn't make you cool or popular, it just gives you a bad reputation. Find a constructive way to channel anger or replace vulgar expressions with ones that aren't.
- If something goes wrong on the first day (for example, you get lost or fall in front of everyone), don't panic. Remember that your reaction is crucial. Smile and carry on as if nothing had happened.
