3 tips for starting high school

Starting high school is a big and exciting change, and it’s completely normal to feel a little unsure about it at first. Over the next year, you’re going to learn new things, meet amazing people and discover what makes being in high school so special.

Try to focus on just being yourself and embracing all the new experiences and opportunities that lie ahead. Watch the video for our top three tips and then read on for more advice.

Video transcript.

1. Take care of yourself

Taking care of your physical and mental health will help you to feel your best and stay energised for everything high school has to offer. Here are some simple things you can do:

• Make sure you get a good night’s sleep. Sticking to a sleep schedule and following a good nightly routine will help you to feel more alert and focused during the day.

• Eat foods that fuel your brain. This will give you the energy you need to tackle your school work.

• Exercise regularly to boost your mood and energy levels. Even if the gym or a team sport isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other fun ways to stay active.

• Make time for the things you love. School is important, but spending time on your hobbies or hanging out with friends will help to keep you feeling positive overall and better able to handle stress. Learn more about how to be awesome at self-care.

2. Try new things at high school

Go into high school with an open mind – there are so many new people to meet and new activities to try! Joining a sports team can be a great way to have fun, meet new people and de-stress. If you like getting creative, think about joining the school band or taking part in a photography or drama club.

By trying new experiences, you’ll get to know your new classmates and find those who have similar interests to you. For more tips on finding your people, check out our guide to making new friends at school. 

3. Keep up a routine

Having a routine will help you to manage your time and make school feel less stressful. Here’s how you can stay on track:

• Set aside regular time for homework, to help you stay focused, organised and more in control.

• Talk to your family about setting up a quiet, distraction-free space at home for doing your homework.

• Use study apps to keep you on track.

Check out more tips on managing your time and figuring out your at-home study style.

Good luck!

Starting high school is a time for exploring and having fun! Embrace this next step in your journey, when every new experience is a chance to grow.

Remember: if you’re feeling anxious about going to school, you’re not alone. Talking to a trusted person when you need support can help you to figure out what’s going on and work out what to do next. If you’d like a bit more support with your transition to high school, chat with other students in ReachOut's Online Community.

Have more questions about starting high school? Ask ReachOut can help with everything you need to know about school and study.