VIDEO: 12 Ways to Survive Freshman Year of High School!
By Sarah H on Updated:
Nervous for your freshman year of high school? Cirkled In has 12 tips to help you through this big milestone! Click to watch below:
Tip #1: Don’t overload on school supplies. You can buy most of your school supplies after the first day of school once your teachers have told you what you need for their specific classes. You probably won’t need as many notebooks and binders as middle school.
Tip #2: On the first day of school, set your schedule as your phone lock screen so it’s easier to know where you need to go when. It’s also a good idea to walk around campus before the first day (if your school is open) and walk to each classroom on your schedule, to make the first day a bit easier on yourself.
Tip #3: Focus on forming good organizational skills and study habits. Keeping track of assignments and planning out a study schedule are ways you can keep yourself organized this year. Starting these habits now will help you through the rest of high school and into college.
Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to talk to your teachers. They’re there to help you and you should use them as a resource! If you’re struggling on an assignment or need an extension of a deadline, always go in after class and talk to them. This may seem scary at first, but it can take a lot of stress off your shoulders.
Tip #5: Go to freshmen orientation. This is a great time to meet new friends and teachers, and possibly befriend some upperclassmen who might be helping out. And, if you’re playing a fall sport, there may be summer practices for your team. This is a great way for you to meet the people who will be on your team before the first day of school. Find out what summer activities may be going on at your high school before the first day.
Tip #6: Set goals and plan for the future. At some point during freshman year, you should look over the course catalog at your school and plan which courses you might want to take throughout your four years. Perhaps you’ll choose to take some Honors, AP, or IB classes in subjects you might want to study in college.
Tip #7: Be open to new activities and experiences. Freshman year is the time to try lots of new things to figure out what you enjoy. Try out for a sports team, join clubs, go to school events. You’ll be surprised who you might meet and you’ll make life-long friends!
Tip #8: Befriend an upperclassman. It’s a good idea to get to know a junior or senior at the school, so you can talk to someone who has been in your shoes before. Upperclassmen can help you decide which courses to take, how to approach the classes of certain teachers, and introduce you to the school traditions. Juniors and seniors may seem scary at first, but we’re here to help you!
Tip #9: Be aware of your surroundings. Stay off your phone when you’re walking in the halls, so you don’t bump into people and receive a nasty glare from an upperclassman. Be mindful of those around you, and walk on the right side of the hallway (don’t run in the halls!).
Tip #10: Bring Essentials. Before the first day of school, it might be a good idea to pack essentials, such as a snack, earbuds, chapstick, and maybe a power bank. High school can be rough, so always be prepared!
Tip #11: Don’t compare yourself to others. In high school, you’ll learn that you’re good at different subjects than your peers, and that’s okay. You’ll discover your niche and can get really good at whatever you enjoy doing. There’s no reason to compare yourself to others academically or socially.
Tip #12: Have fun! With all the stress of academics, remember that high school is about the experience to help you develop as a person. Remember to enjoy yourself, have fun, and discover your story!