First Day Jitters Tips

When the first day of school rolls around this August, you might be nervous or even overwhelmed at the thought of starting a new school year, especially if you are starting at a new school or entering high school as a freshman.

Even if you are going back to the school you have already been attending, those first day jitters can still be just as nerve-wrecking.

Here are ten first day tips to help you feel truly prepared to take on that daunting first day:

1. Make sure you go to your school’s orientation day if it is offered! They may offer you maps of the building and usually give you your class schedule.

2. Try to walk through your schedule before the first day if possible. This will help you get a sense of your surroundings and get you more comfortable with these areas in the school before your first day, so you can avoid any confusion or mix-ups when trying to get to your classes .

3. If you have time and are able to, try to meet your teachers prior to the start of school if you can. If not, make sure to introduce yourself during your first class with them. Make sure to sound confident and let your teacher know what you are hoping to learn from their class!

4. Bring a sturdy backpack with you to withstand both regular wear and tear as well as all of those books and other class materials.

5. Take a few minutes in the morning of the first day (make sure you allow yourself plenty of time before your first class!) and practice opening your locker a couple of times to make sure you have it down so you can collect items efficiently during passing periods. If you do not plan to stop at your locker during the day, make sure to grab all necessary materials

6. Take a picture of your schedule and set it as the wallpaper of your phone, if you have phone and bring it to school with you. If you forget what your next class is, you can check your phone quickly and get to where you need to be.

7. If you need to go to the restroom, try to do so during passing periods or your lunch in order to avoid leaving class as well as potentially missing any information.

8. Attempt to talk to at least one person in each class! This can be someone near you or just someone you may recognize, but getting social will help you feel more at ease in your classes.

9. If allowed, bring a water bottle and some snacks to replenish before or after lunch. Make sure your snack is something quiet and healthy, like apples and peanut butter or crackers.

10. Take a deep breath and remember to relax! Treat yourself after school with some “me time” and destress a little before you get cracking on that homework :)