If you feel nervous or overwhelmed about starting high school, you’re not alone. The transition to high school can be intimidating due to the new environment, harder classes, and looming prospect of college.
I was in the same place four years ago. Right before high school started, my family and I unexpectedly moved to a new state. I found myself in a completely new environment, surrounded by entirely unfamiliar people. As you can probably imagine, I was terrified on the first day of my freshman year of high school.
However, as a graduate now, I am proud to say that not only did I survive high school, but I was able to make valuable connections and achieve things I never thought I could. I wish I could go back and give my ninth-grade self some important high school advice so I wouldn’t have been as intimidated.
In this article, I share the things I wish I could have known then. By following these 26 essential tips for freshman year of high school, I hope you will be able to set yourself on a path for success in high school.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that when you make a purchase through a link, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Must-Have Supplies
Tip #1: Invest in a sturdy backpack
Having a good quality backpack is extremely important. In high school, you’ll be lugging around notebooks, binders, textbooks, and other supplies between every single class.
I personally love the L.L. Bean Deluxe Book Pack and have been using my current one for the past 5 years. Before using it, I would have to buy a new backpack every single year. However, this one has stuck with me through thick and thin””I use it for school and when I travel.
It’s super lightweight but can hold a lot, with two large compartments, two small compartments, and several smaller pouches within those compartments. It’s also very comfortable and easily washable.
Tip #2: Prepare your pencil case
No one ever wants to be the student who has to ask to borrow something before a test.
Buy a few high-quality mechanical pencils. My favorite brand is Paper Mate, which is on the slightly pricier side but definitely worth the investment. I love taking handwritten notes, so I’m constantly using mine. Even so, they always last me through a full school year and could probably last me more. (I just like buying a new pack every year because having fresh supplies motivates me to study.)
Also, make sure to have blue and black ink pens. High school teachers often require exams to be written in blue or black ink.
Finally, make sure to buy a pack of #2 pencils. These are always important for standardized tests (and the occasional teacher who hates mechanical pencils). I personally love the Ticonderoga Pre-Sharpened #2 Pencils. They’re a bit pricier than other pencils, but that’s because they’re much better quality. Also, they’re very easy to sharpen and have great erasers that don’t leave marks.
Tip #3: Buy a calculator (or two)
You’ll likely need one or even two calculators for different classes. First, buy a simple four-function calculator. Personally, I used the Texas Instruments TI-30XIIS in high school and never had any problems with it.
Depending on the classes you’re taking, you may also need a graphing calculator. Graphing calculators are much more expensive, but you’ll need one for classes like physics, pre-calculus, and statistics. You want to invest in a high-quality graphing calculator that doesn’t break down in the middle of an exam. The one that I’ve used in the past few years is the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II, which is very user-friendly and generally lasts for three years.
Tip #4: Get a planner
Having a planner is crucial for time management. There’s a lot more tests, homework, and projects in high school, so you need a place to keep track of everything.
If you’re looking for a free printable planner, check out my undated monthly planner. It contains every type of spread I used in high school to stay organized.
High School Orientation
Tip #5: Get familiar with the campus
High school campuses tend to be much bigger than middle school campuses. Buildings are spread out, so you should figure out where your classes are during orientation. After all, you don’t want to be scrambling to get to class on your first day.
Tip #6: Meet some classmates
Don’t be afraid to talk to new people. There are many students who are just as nervous as you. If you walk up to someone and say hi, it could make their day!
At my school, we participated in a few games to get to know our classmates. Some of the people I met ended up being my friends for the rest of high school.
Tip #7: Meet your teachers
Orientation is also a great opportunity to meet your teachers. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and ask about what to expect in their classes during the year.
Creating a High School Plan
Tip #8: Meet with your guidance counselor
Schedule a meeting with your counselor to learn about the different opportunities and courses offered at your school. This will give you a better idea of which extracurriculars to join and which classes to take.
Tip #9: Begin researching your dream colleges
This probably sounds a bit early, but if you have a dream college in mind, you need to start planning as a high school freshman. (For more information on creating a plan to help you get into your dream college, see this post, as well as my free 12-page Creating a High School Plan workbook.)
Tip #10: Create a course plan
Review your high school course catalog carefully. Draft a plan of what you want to take each year of high school. This should depend on your own interests, the standards of your dream college, and the rigor of courses offered at your high school.
If your school offers AP classes and you’re not sure which ones to take, check out this guide on AP math and science courses and this one on AP humanities/social sciences and foreign language courses.
Tip #11: Set long-term goals
Begin researching competitions or programs that you may want to participate in. There are lots of opportunities for high school students to dive deep into their interests or explore new things.
You may want to look at internships, research programs, and summer classes. Although you likely won’t qualify for many programs as a freshman, you can begin working towards qualifying later on.
Tip #12: Start planning for the PSAT
At the beginning of your junior year, you will take the PSAT, a qualification exam for National Merit scholarships. It is very similar to the SAT but less difficult and scored out of 1520. Many colleges offer significant or even full-tuition scholarships for National Merit scholars. And even if a college you want to attend doesn’t, recipients of the $2,500 National Merit scholarship may apply it to whichever school they attend.
As a freshman, you should set a PSAT goal for yourself based on the average cutoff in your state. Plus, preparing for the PSAT early will help you prepare for similar standardized exams, like the SAT and ACT.
Time Management
Tip #13: Use your planner everyday
There are so many more things to keep track of in high school than in middle school. Using my planner every day did wonders for my organization and productivity.
I would write down a to-do list every day. This way, I wouldn’t forget anything. It also provided a tangible way for me to see what I had accomplished each day.
When larger projects or tests were assigned, I would break up preparing for them across several days using my monthly overview. This helped me with meeting deadlines without procrastinating.
Tip #14: Don’t procrastinate on studying
In middle school, I was able to get away with studying a day before major chapter exams. In high school, that just didn’t work. One of my major tips for high school students is to break up studying over several days.
Classes are harder and place a lot more emphasis on application over memorization. This means that you can’t just memorize the information; you need to know how to use it. The only way to improve your application skills is by practicing. A lot.
Tip #15: Stick to a good sleep schedule
Getting enough sleep is essential because sleep deprivation will dramatically hurt your productivity and academic performance.
In high school, I tried my best to go to bed at roughly the same time every night. This didn’t always happen, of course. However, I highly recommend it because on days that I slept a solid 7-8 hours, I felt a significant boost in my cognitive abilities vs. on days that I slept 5-6 hours.
Imagine this: you stay up all night studying for a test, and the next day, you’re too exhausted to process anything. You make a lot of silly mistakes on questions you could have easily solved.
On the other hand, you could choose to go to bed on time. You may not have as much time to study, but you’ll be less likely to make silly mistakes on things you already know.
For my daily schedule in high school, check out “Productive Day Schedule for Students””Be Productive 12+ Hours a Day!”
Avoiding Negativity
Tip #16: Don’t let a bad grade get to you
If you get a bad grade on a test or assignment, don’t be too hard on yourself about it. Instead, figure out what you need to do to improve. Ask yourself, “Why did I get a bad grade?” and “What can I do to not repeat the same mistake?”
There were several high school classes in which I initially received unsatisfactory grades. Seeing my overall class grade drop was frustrating. However, instead of beating myself up about it, I would figure out my mistakes and focus on fixing them for the next test.
For a detailed story on a class I initially did poorly in but was able to improve my grades in, check out “How to Pass a Class You Hate (How I Went from a B- to an A+)“
A bad grade does not define you. What you do after does.
Tip #17: Don’t compare yourself to others
When other students may be winning big awards or getting better grades in a class, it’s very easy to fall into the trap of losing self-confidence. However, comparing yourself to others is unproductive, unhealthy, and ultimately accomplishes nothing.
Instead, you should focus on your own long-term goals. If you’re working towards things that you’re passionate about, you’ll have a clear sense of direction and not worry about others as much.
Tip #18: Don’t let others’ negativity influence you
One of my number one tips for high school freshmen is to avoid negative people. Students who constantly talk about their dislike for a certain class, teacher, or school in general can have an extremely negative impact on your productivity and motivation.
I know this because I’ve unfortunately been there. Instead, you should surround yourself with people who are positive and motivated. That will push you to be those things as well.
Trying New Things
Tip #19: Join new clubs
One of my major pieces of advice for incoming freshmen is to try as many new things as possible. You never know what new interest or talent you could discover. There are tons of new clubs to try out in high school, so you should take advantage of them.
If you’re not sure about what to join, attend your high school’s club fair. Speak with current club members, and sign up for the next meeting. If you don’t like the club, you can always drop out. But if you do, you’ll be able to meet people with similar interests and help your school and local community.
Tip #20: Try out an academic competition team
There are lots of academic competition teams in high school: Science Bowl, Model U.N., Future Business Leaders of America, and many more. You should browse your options and join one or two that you’re interested in.
In my freshman year, I chose to join an academic competition team that was somewhat intimidating. Several students had qualified for international competitions, and when I showed up for the first meeting, I couldn’t understand a word of their presentations.
However, two-and-a-half years later, I ended up qualifying for some of those same competitions. Joining the team pushed me to learn and grow in ways I could have never imagined.
Volunteer/Leadership Opportunities
Tip #21: Assist with a community service project
There are many opportunities to help your local community through club events. However, you can also look for opportunities outside of school. Many organizations are willing to work with high school students.
For example, you could volunteer at a food shelter or organize events at a senior care home. These are just some ideas””the possibilities are truly endless.
Tip #22: Brainstorm your own initiatives
Another major piece of advice for incoming freshmen is to begin brainstorming your own initiatives. If there’s a cause that you’re passionate about, consider starting your own club or volunteer organization.
Starting an initiative was one of the most rewarding things I did in high school. I was able to help my community and build meaningful connections. I also developed my leadership, organizational, and communication skills. I learned and experienced things I wouldn’t otherwise have been able to.
For more on leadership in high school, check out “Importance of Student Leadership in High School + Unique Ways to Show Leadership” and “How to Start an Organization in High School in 4 Easy Steps”
Self-Care
Tip #23: Reward yourself for achieving goals
You should always reward yourself for achieving goals like acing a test or completing a big project. Some examples include rereading a book you love or watching another episode of your favorite TV show.
Even for small accomplishments, like finishing a textbook chapter, reward yourself by taking a break or eating a snack.
Tip #24: Stay active
If you’re a student athlete, this tip is probably not difficult to fulfill. However, if you aren’t, you should find ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine.
With loads of homework and tests in high school, it’s easy to neglect the importance of physical activity. However, according to the CDC, physical activity has several immediate benefits, including improved cognitive abilities and reduced feelings of stress. Even just 10 minutes a day can improve your health.
Despite being very busy in high school, I set aside 15-30 minutes a day to exercise. Some of my favorite ways to stay active were to go on a run, walk my dog, or follow a Youtube workout. Doing physical activity always left me feeling more energized and refreshed.
Tip #25: Make time for things you enjoy
High school can be very hectic and busy. However, one of my major tips for high school students is to remember to make time for hobbies. This will help you create a healthier balance between school life and personal life. This, in turn, will make you more motivated and positive.
In high school, I would always set aside time to do some of my favorite things each week””reading, scrapbooking, and journaling.
Tip #26: Make time for friends and family
When things get busy, it’s easy to become absorbed in your schoolwork and extracurriculars. However, don’t neglect to spend time with people whose company you enjoy.
In high school, there were times when I fell into the cycle of “wake up, work, eat, sleep, and repeat.” However, eventually, I would feel drained and isolated. It was only by reconnecting with others that I was able to feel more energized and optimistic.
Conclusion
Starting high school can be intimidating, but I hope this article gave you some guidance on making the most of your high school experience.
For more resources on creating a successful high school plan, make sure to check out the following:
- What Do Colleges Look for? A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Into Your Dream College
- MyCreating a High School Plan workbook, which I created to help high school students plan out long-term goals according to their passions and dream college
Which of these tips for freshman year of high school will you be implementing? Let me know in the comments below!
Learning With Angie is a place to share honest, unfiltered advice to promote student success. So if you’re a student (high school, college, or beyond) looking for tips on productivity, studying, personal growth, and more to reach your potential, this is the place! To read more about Learning with Angie, click here.
About the Author: Team Angie
