advice for a freshman?

[nintendoanna]

i'm 14 and im starting highschool this september and im just really stressed bc
1. i only have one good friend going to same highschool as me since our school has 4 total highschools our school is divided into WHICH IS HORRIBLE
2. i'm so intimidated by all the upper classmen
3. my school is huge as **** and confusing
i honestly just want to make highschool as easy and enjoyable as i can make it because life has been like a blur holy **** i came out if the womb like yesterday
i don't know like this thread is kind of pointless because i know i need to chill but I CANT

 

[SilkSpectre]

It'll go so fast. Don't stress.
1. You're going to be in different classes with lots of new people. You'll meet friends. And one good friend is totally sufficient.
2. They were once where you are, getting shamed by upperclassmen. It's a cycle and it's meaningless.
3. Just learn the routes to your classes and the rest will come.

This too shall pass.

 

[Mega_Cabbage]

1. Take as many honors/AP courses as you can (if you can handle it) because you'll be more likely to hang out with and make smart, dependable friends who can help you out.

2. Don't be. I don't think that upperclassmen actually give a lot of thought about lowerclassmen. I never really thought it was that big of a deal.

3. They usually give you a little more leniency when it comes to getting to class on time in the first week, so take advantage of that and get to know your way around.

 

[Fleshy]

1. In my opinion having one good friend is perfect. That way you guys can stay together and things, but I'm sure you'll make other friends pretty quickly, remember every other freshman is in a position similar to you, they're all scared, worried and stressed out.

2. Don't worry, the older people most likely don't care about you guys (not in a rude way, they just aren't bothered) they're too busy with studying and things, they know what it's like to be in your position too, the older students that give younger students **** are honestly just mean and they don't matter, they think they're cool by riding the whole Hate The Kids train.

3. Like before, everyone else will be in your position too, if you get lost, you won't be the only one. It is big and confusing but you'll most likely know your way around perfectly in a few weeks, it's nothing really to worry about, everyone struggles finding their way around at first, you'll get used to it soon.

It's not pointless, the vast majority of people are scared and/or worried about starting highschool, it's likely that we've all been through it too. The scary period will pass quickly and you'll get the hand of it, it likely won't be easy but it'll be fine, you've got this. You've got a while until you start too, don't focus on it too soon, enjoy the summer while it lasts.

 

[Llust]

try not to think too much about it. trust me, it'll be fine. its just a repeat of your first day of middle school.

1.) you'll make friends. it's a lot easier than it seems. i managed to befriend more than half the grade smoothly, which is surprising because im a socially awkward turd. if i can do it, so can you. everyone is going to want to make friends
2.) they wont bother messing with you if thats what youre worried about
3.) isnt that what everyone thought on their first day of middle school? did you learn how to get around? yeah, so you'll learn how to get around at your high school too. there should be plenty of teachers available to guide you throughout the day. freshmen should have an orientation day dedicated to just them. during that day, you'll get the chance to look around the school, get to know what building is specified for what grade, ask questions, etc.

 

[vel]

1. just have good friends. in every class make friends. it isn't as hard as it seems!
2. do your best in any class. it'll pay off at the end.
3. make sure to look at the map carefully, and find your way around by asking some people!

good luck!

 

[charade501]

college ends up not mattering a lot unless you're going into something advanced (science/health), so just keep calm and get Bs and you'll be fine

 

[nintendoanna]

college ends up not mattering a lot unless you're going into something advanced (science/health), so just keep calm and get Bs and you'll be fine

best advice yet haha

 

[That Zephyr Guy]

Uh... okay let's see here...

1. You'll meet new friends very easily. If you're worried that you won't, join a club or a team. It's a very easy way to meet people.

2. Don't be. They generally don't care about freshmen as long as they're not acting like they own the school or are being extremely extremely obnoxious.

3. You'll learn it like the back of your hand in like two weeks.




I'd like to emphasize #1. Find something to make yourself a part of at school. It makes school significantly more fun. For me it was Cross Country, but yours can be whatever sounds fun.

 

[Acruoxil]

As soon as you enter the class just let everyone know "I'm Team Mystic!!!!" now watch everyone swarm around you

Nah really though it's gonna be perfectly fine. Everyone's gonna be new there, and eager to make friends. You'll do just fine.

 

[Bluberry]

As someone that just finished my freshman year, your first year will go by like a breeze. When summer comes, you end up looking back at how nervous you were over nothing, and it's pretty funny.​

1. I know how you feel, I felt that same way! Our school district has only one huge high school, but this means we got split into many classrooms. I ended up having no classes with my best friend and rarely, if not ever, saw him, and only one class (out of 8 per week) with a true friend. Now I'm not going to say "Don't worry" since that didn't help my anxiety much. Instead, smile, look friendly, and introduce yourself to new people! All freshmen on their first day of school are just as nervous as you, and if you put yourself out there and introduce yourself to people on the first or second day, you'll make friends instantly.

One of my goals on my first day was to introduce myself to at least 30 random people. It's nerve-wracking, but it has it's benefits.

2. If you think about it, many of the upperclassmen are only one to 4 years older than you. That's really not a lot older! They may look intimidating, but they were just as scared as you guys were on their first day, too! Plus, many upperclassmen are happy to help if you're polite since they know how it feels. Many freshmen act like dumb bells and are rude to upperclassmen, which is why they're always skeptical about freshies, but if you're respectful to them, they'll be respectful to you. If you get called freshman names by someone, laugh it off; it shows your upperclassmen you can take a joke.

Everyone matures in high school, THANKFULLY, to the upperclassmen smacking sense into those that still act like they're 5. Trust me, it's a good thing.
3. I'm not going to lie, you're probably going to get lost on your first day. I did BUT during the first week, teachers are practically breathing down your neck because they're everywhere. If you get lost, politely ask a upperclassmen or a teacher and they'll point you in the right direction. Also, don't worry too much about being late for class since all teachers are lenient on freshmen on their first day, even the cruelest of teachers. Some schools even give out maps of the campus at the front doors, so keep an eye out for those!

As a note:

• if your school has a dress code, make sure you follow it exactly since they're extremely nit-picky during the first week. They pretty much loosen the reigns after that.
• first impressions mean everything! If you're very polite to your teachers on your first day, it earns you brownie points for the future.
• if you had drama with anyone in the past, it's gone now. Upperclassmen absolutely hate freshmen pity parties and they're not afraid to tell you so.

AND, the last thing I have to add; Find a group, club, or sport you can call home. If this means signing up for all of the clubs... DO IT! That's the number one advice I would hear the upperclassmen say, and they were right. I joined 6 and ended up keeping 3. I now wish I had joined more, which I am going to do my sophomore year! You end up forming close bonds with the people in your groups/club/team and you stick your necks out for each other, including the upperclassmen if someone is giving you troubles.

You're going to be just fine. ​

 

[radical6]

AS SOMEONE WHO GOT SUSPENDED 2 TIMES FRESHMAN YEAR WITH 4.0 GRADES
DONT
GET
INTO
DRAMA
AND
DONT
THREATEN SUICIDE

just chill and know your place and dont be awkward tbh, no one really gives a **** in highschool
ALSO STUDY. GET AS. GET THAT PERFECT GPA. do the classes tyou need to get out of the way first, save your fun classes for senior year.
JOIN CLUBS. thats how youll make friends. just be yourself is all i can say and dont be rude or mean or a tryhard

 

[Lektic]

Focus on your grades and school work. They are more important in the long run. Don't worry about things too much. Almost everything from high school can become irrelevant if you want it to be. I'm only 21 and there is only 2 people I still talk to from high school. It might seem like a huge deal but it really isn't.

 

[Soigne]

I can promise you that upperclassmen are so beyond done with school at that point in their lives that they don't care about anything other than graduating, you have nothing to worry about from them.

I was super nervous my freshman year, I never thought I'd finish high school and it's like I went to bed one night and woke up on graduation day. It will go by super super fast, don't worry about not having friends - you'll make some. Everyone does.

And I promise that the school isn't as confusing as you think it is. It might seem big, but you'll get there and get the hang of things and not even think about where you're going because you'll know it so well.

 

[ibelleS]

-Don't run in the halls between classes. You'll get to your class eventually and it's nbd if you're late
-Take a picture of your schedule, set it as your lockscreen, type it up in a memo on your phone, or write it on your hand
-If you trip on the stairs just get back up like nothing happened in the first place
-Walk on the right side of the hallway. Don't be that guy in everyone's way
-Don't use a Case-It. You're in high school now, get some folders
-You probably won't need a locker. They're just a waste of time tbh

 

[N e s s]

Here's a tip: high schools usually have clubs you can join, try joining a club and you should make friends. I'm taking a magic the gathering club next year

 

[graceroxx]

I'm going into my sophomore year and honestly, HS isn't that bad. I was super nervous last year, I only had one close friend going to the same HS as me and we didn't have any classes together, except lunch. I'm the most socially awkward person ever and even I managed to make a few other friends.
Believe it or not, as much as I hated gym class, that's where I made the most friends. So take gym if possible!!! At least once !!

As for the upperclassmen, they're not scary at all. Trust me. Yeah, some of them are basically adults, but they're still not that different from you. I got put into a class with almost all seniors, and it was fine. A lot of them are nice.

And yeah, my school was big too. What I did was walk through my schedule several times before school started. On the first day, I knew exactly where my classes were. Everyone else in my grade was lost and asking for directions, lol.
You may be a bit confused the first week, but after that you'll basically know your school by heart

 

[iFallOutBoy]

It will go by sooo fast, I'm now a junior and when I was a freshman I didn't think it would go that fast but I think That Zephyr Guy literally described "freshman" because upperclassmen will openly hate freshman, but if you see sophomores doing it, they shouldn't, they were freshman just the year before xD but don't be stressed it's super fun! And you will make so many new friends, being apart of chorus made my highschool experience so much more fun, I've tried track and tennis and finally found myself in choir now I'm in the advanced chamber choir who represents my school and I've made sooo many new friends!

 

[riummi]

everyone's school is different so some of the advice might not even fit fyi
Eyy senior here~ first off some of us upperclassmen do look down on the freshmen but there are a few that would be willing to give you advice and help so don't be too afraid! People say that HS goes by so fast but personally I can't wait for my high school years to be over - it's been quite slow for me. I strongly suggest you have some idea of what you want to major in now - just so you can be prepared to plan what classes you'll need to be ahead!
clubs/sports
I was never much of an after school activity/sports person due to my school being far away but if you live pretty close then I suggest you get involved with as many things as possible for your first year. It's ok to back out of a sport or club if you aren't feeling it so don't let others pressure you into staying if you don't want to. Narrow down what you want to focus on. (it's also a nice way to make friends that have the same interests as you)
grades
Try your best to get the best grades that you can. How well you do in your classes now will impact that classes that you can take later. (if your school is like mines that is) Get organized and use your planner if you can't remember everything!
other
- if it's allowed, drop by your school earlier and familiarize yourself with it. Find where your classes will be and such.
- relax and don't act like someone you're not - this is the main reason why we find our freshmen slightly annoying
- volunteer for things!
- one or two close friends are plenty but try to make acquaintances with others in your classes just in case you need to ask them about hw/tests
- to me college matters, since if you don't have a BA, companies here won't even look at you ;-;
- you'll get used to it fast and won't care about anything once you're a senior (accept college apps - that is if you plan to go to college or take a break)

 

[guardgirl]

the best decision i ever made was joining my schools color guard team. i didnt join my freshman year because i was scared, and thats my biggest regret. i didnt really have any friends from junior high, and i needed people to hang around and talk to, and my team quickly became my family. maybe you could watch some clubs and teams and talk to people to see what theyre in to see if its something you might be interested in. youd be surprised at how quickly youll make new friends.

literally dont be scared of upperclassmen. most of them are in sweatpants trying to survive on the 2 hours of sleep they had 3 days ago. theyre lucky if they remember their own names most of the time. i know when i was an upperclassmen, i couldnt keep track of how many freshman there were in the marching band, let alone the school. thats not to be taken pretentiously either, i honestly just had so much to do that picking on the kiddos seemed too much of a waste of time. almost everyone is the same way. like i said, no sleep haha. the upperclassmen arent monsters either, lots of them cant tell people from other grades apart anyway. even if they could, they probably dont care. just trying to graduate amirite.

do you have a freshman orientation day where its just the freshman in the school? if you do, pick one person to talk to and agree to meet up outside the school on the first day so you can walk in together. thats how i played it, and it was sooooo much less stressful.

the way i handled knowing the ins and outs of my school my freshman year is i marked my entire schedule on a school map in a different highlighter color for each path/class and stuck the map under the clear sleeve on a binder, that way i didnt feel like dora the explorer running around with a map. but honestly, if you have trouble finding a class, ask an upperclassmen. they wont make fun of you, i promise. we were all freshman once.

honestly the best way to make high school worth it is to slow down and enjoy it. im in my second year of college and i already barely remember my freshman year. do something to make it worth while. color guard became my entire life, and i continued it after graduation. find something that you like, even if its something totally new. i had no idea what color guard was actually about until i went to the audition. it truly changed my life. drama club is pretty bomb too. you dont have to act if thats not your scene, but being on crew behind the scenes was really cool.

i wish you so much luck in your high school career. enjoy it for the rest of us, and dont take a single second for granted. youll be okay, i promise.