LIFE

 

1. Reach out before the first day

If you know someone at your new school, no matter how well, contact them before school starts to ask any questions only a student could answer, like which teachers to avoid or where the cleanest bathroom is. Completely alone? Try asking an administrator if your future school can set you up with some sort of contact in student council or in an activity you plan on pursuing.

2. Prepare to remember *a lot* of new info

You’re going to meet a ton of new people and learn countless new details about the school, so try to stay sharp. It might be helpful to develop a system for remembering faces and names, but don’t be embarrassed if you forget—you're new, after all! On the flip side, get ready to introduce yourself every three seconds. You might get tired of announcing your name and hometown again and again, but try to stay polite.

3. Be confident, but not cocky

As hard as it is to walk into a school full of strangers with your head held high, keep your chin up—even if you can't find your next class.  People are drawn to confidence, so find it within yourself to smile and introduce yourself to strangers. What won't work? Acting like you own the place. You're new, and everyone knows it.

4. Sign up for a club or a team

It might seem obvious, but jumping into extracurriculars is the best way to get involved and meet people. Love acting? Sign up for the fall play or join the drama club. Not sure what you love? Don’t be afraid to try something new.  A new activity will be a great way to bond with your new classmates.  

5. Watch what you say

For the first few weeks, keep the gossip on the low. Hold off on telling your new friend how rude you think that chick in Chem is—for all you know, she could be her cousin or even her good friend. The last thing you want is to isolate anyone during your first few weeks. 

6. Embrace your fresh start

New school, new you. One of the benefits of being the new kid on the block is that you don't have any type of reputation yet. People might not know how great you are at volleyball yet, but they also don't know about that time you asked your crush out in front of everyone...and he said no. You have a chance to totally reinvent yourself, so take advantage!

Have you ever started over at a new school? What's your best piece of advice? Let us know!

by Kelsie Ahern | 2/1/2016