Some schools have staff sites, so you can check out your teachers once you receive your schedule. See if you can find an events calendar. Try to get yourself excited about the new experiences you’ll have.

Try to make a few new friends at orientation. Ask the upperclassmen volunteers how you can ask questions if you need more information. See if your school has a school store or a booster club that is selling school apparel. Practice opening your locker. Visit the library, gym, and cafeteria.

Say, “Hi, I’m going to be a freshman this year, and I’m nervous because I’ve never been inside the high school. I was wondering if I could come tour the school sometime this week. ” Get a map of the school and familiarize yourself with it.

Ask for advice on the topics that scare you most. Say, “I’m nervous about lunch. How did you find a table to sit at?” See if they will show you around or introduce you to their other friends. Ask them about clubs you can join or events you should attend.

Choose comfortable shoes. Pick your most flattering outfit, as long as it’s not uncomfortable. Try to show off who you are so that your new classmates can learn about you. Choose a shirt that shows off your favorite band, a leather jacket for a rocker look, or a dress to show off your girly side.

See if any of you have the same lunch so that you can sit together. [4] X Research source See if you have any classes together or classes in the same hall. Suggest ways to touch base with each other, such as places you can talk between classes or times you can text or snapchat.

Plan your path between classes. Look for bathrooms near each class so you’ll be prepared when you need to go. If your school has teacher websites, look up your teachers. You’ll learn a bit about them in advance, and you’ll get an idea about what to expect from the class.

Bring protein or granola bars for snacks. If you like to bring a lunch, pack a sandwich, fruit, and a side like chips or carrot sticks. You could also try tuna salad or mixed greens.

To make friends, smile and start a conversation to your classmates. When you get to your class, try and start one by saying something like, “I really wish this school had a Starbucks,” “Man, I was hoping not to do any real work on the first day,” or “Hey, that’s a cool backpack. ” Try to make friends with upperclassmen because they can help you fit into your new school and give you advice. Say, “Hey, I’m Jenna. I’m new here,” or “You seem to know a lot about the school. Which clubs would you recommend?”

Look on your school’s website for clubs that seem interesting. You may even be able to contact the sponsor. Keep an eye out for flyers since a lot of clubs will be advertising for membership in the early weeks of school. Ask your friends which clubs they might join. Tag along to see if it’s a fit for you.

Try football or volleyball games early in the year, as these are usually the first sports of the season. See if your school has a back to school dance. Attend the homecoming dance and any fall/winter formals. Find out if your school has a fall carnival or a related event. Go to school plays, band concerts, and art exhibits.

Most schools offer after school tutoring, so ask your teacher when to come. Say, “I had trouble following today’s lesson. When can I come to tutoring?” You can also email your teacher to ask about tutoring times.

Make an appointment with your counselor. Ask one of your teachers for help, or ask them where you can find peer support.

Try using a planner to track your assignments, tests, and club events. Budget out your time so that you have enough time to get big assignments finished. Don’t commit to too many clubs and sports. Make sure that you also have some down time to rest. [14] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source If you’ll be entering high school during the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s a good chance your school year will involve some distance learning, depending on where you live. If that’s the case, you’ll need to take responsibility for your own schoolwork and assignments, even more so than if you were enrolled in strictly traditional courses. [15] X Expert Source Jai FlickerAcademic Tutor Expert Interview. 30 June 2020.