How to Get Ready for High School

Take a tour of your school if you can.

Get a lay of the land before your first day. Find out if your high school offers or allows incoming students to take a tour of the grounds. If they do, go for it! You’ll get a chance to check out the classrooms, cafeteria, gym, and all of the hallways so you won’t feel so lost on your first day. There may be a scheduled tour date that you can sign up for to check out your school. Some high schools hold an orientation for incoming freshmen just before or right after school starts. Make sure you go to your orientation so you can find out more about your classes and any specific rules you need to follow and be aware of at your school.

Balance your schedule so you aren’t overwhelmed.

Try not to have all of your difficult classes in a row. If you’re able to choose or set your own schedule at your school, try as best you can to create a balanced schedule so you won’t feel as stressed during your year. Mix in easier classes or electives between your harder, more challenging classes so your mind can get a bit of a break. For instance, if you struggle with math and biology, but you love English, you can try to have an English class and lunch between them.

Add some fun elective classes to your schedule.

Choose classes that interest you to make school more fun. While you may have some required classes, one of the best things about high school is the ability to choose some of your electives. Look through the list of available classes and take some that really interest you. They’ll make your school days feel more interesting and less monotonous. For example, if you’re into baking or cooking, check out some home economics electives. You may also be able to take cool trade classes like a shop class or horticulture.

Check out your school’s clubs and sports teams.

Join any of the ones that interest you. If you’re into sports, chances are your high school has a team for you! Find out how you can sign up and start getting involved in the program. If sports aren’t your thing, check out what clubs your school offers. Look for ones that interest you and join them. You’ll get to do something you enjoy and you’ll meet other people with similar interests. For instance, if you like to play chess or you’ve always been interested in debating, find out if your school has a club for them.

Buy the proper school supplies.

Use your supply list and choose things that you like when you can. Most high schools provide a list of specific items that you’ll need for your first day. Be sure to get everything on the list so you’re fully prepared. For instance, you’ll need items such as a backpack, lunch bag (if you’re bringing your own lunch), pens, pencils, loose-leaf paper, notebooks, folders, highlighters, erasers, and a ruler. You may also need a calculator and a binder. Just because you have to get certain items, it doesn’t mean you can’t choose ones that you like and reflect your personality. For example, you can choose folders with cool designs on them and pens that you really like to use.

Get yourself a planner.

You can buy your own or your school may provide them to you. A planner is essential in high school. You’ll use it to organize your schedule and keep track of your homework assignments as well as upcoming tests and finals. Most high schools offer official planners you can buy and some schools may even require that you use their official planners. You may also be able to buy your own. Whatever the case is, make sure you’ve got your planner handy for your first day.

Set up a working space at home.

Prepare an environment that will help you get your work done. Clear off a desk and set up supplies such as pens and paper. Keep the area organized and ready for you to use it so you can knock out any homework or assignments and resist the urge the procrastinate. You could even put up some posters and play some music in your work area to make it a more welcoming environment. Find a quiet place within or near your home. Turn off your tv and computer screens when you’re working so you can focus so and studying will become easier.

Update your wardrobe for the school year.

Pick out some new outfits that make you feel confident! The clothes you wear are a great opportunity to reflect your individual personality. Pick out some new shoes, pants, shirts, tops, or dresses for the new school year. Add them to your closet and keep them organized so it’s easy for you to pick an outfit every day. If your school requires uniforms, look for local stores that offer uniforms that fit your school’s requirements.

Create a nightly routine that allows for plenty of sleep.

Prepare everything you’ll need and go to bed on time. Check the weather the night before to help you choose an outfit and then lay out your clothes so you can get dressed quickly and easily in the morning. Pack your backpack and gather any supplies that you’ll need for the next day and make sure you charge your phone or any devices you’ll need. Set your alarm for the morning and go to bed at a time that allows you to get at least 8 hours of sleep so you’ll wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day. The more consistent you are with your routine, the easier it’ll be to stick to it.

Establish a morning routine you can stick to.

Make your mornings much less hectic and stressful. Set your alarm for at least an hour before school starts to give yourself plenty of time. Brush your teeth and then wash your face or shower. Then, make your bed, get dressed for the day, and fix your hair and makeup (if you wear makeup). Grab your backpack, school supplies and eat some breakfast before you head out for the day and you’re all set! Try following the same routine the week before school starts so you can adjust to it by your first day.

Think about the new friends you’ll make in school.

It can help settle your nerves. It’s totally normal to have some butterflies and feel a little nervous about starting high school. Instead of thinking about worst-case scenarios or mistakes you could make, think about all the people you’ll get to meet and the stuff you’ll get to learn and experience. High school can be a lot of fun if you make the most of it! You’ll also start to feel less worried once you start school and get into the swing of things.

Talk to your parents if you’re feeling scared or anxious.

They may be able to help. While it’s normal to feel a little nervous, if you’re really scared or you’re experiencing severe anxiety, you don’t have to deal with it on your own. Reach out to your parents and tell them what you’re feeling. Remember, they were once in high school, too. They may be able to make you feel better and maybe even excited about starting high school. EXPERT TIP Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor Rebecca Tenzer is the owner and head clinician at Astute Counseling Services, a private counseling practice in Chicago, Illinois. With over 18 years of clinical and educational experience in the field of mental health, Rebecca specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, grief, interpersonal relationships using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and other evidence-based practices. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology and Anthropology from DePauw University, a Master in Teaching (MAT) from Dominican University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Chicago. Rebecca has served as a member of the AmeriCorps and is also a Professor of Psychology at the collegiate level. Rebecca is trained as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS), a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP). Rebecca is also a member of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Society of America and The National Association of Social Workers. Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor Get ready for high school in all areas — academic, social, personal. Get ready academically by getting organized, building good study habits, and reviewing important skills. Get ready socially and emotionally by making friends, improving communication, dealing with peer pressure, and building resilience. Personally, take more responsibility, make goals, try new activities, and practice health habits.