1. NEVER RUN
Running from class to class, just makes you look like you have no idea what you're doing. Stay calm and collected. Besides, the teachers always go easy on freshman the first couple of days, so its not that big of a deal if you're late to class a couple of times the first week or so. If it helps, try and ask someone in the main office if there is a school map that you can have while you find your way. Also, on your schedule, it really helps to write down the floor, and room number of each class next to where its listed if it's not already there.
2. Try To Study Your Schedule The Night Before
Reading over your schedule a couple of days, or even the night before school starts, can make a big impact... if you know what classes are in which order, it'll help you on the first day of school, and in the long run. Just make sure that you don't look like a nerd, walking around with your schedule glued to your hand.
3. Take Advantage of Your Study Hall
Study hall is probably one of the best periods, mostly because it allows you to finish your homework before class starts, or just so that you have less or even nothing when you get home. Try to also avoid talking to too many people... just make small talk... if they ask you why your not talking as much, just tell them "it's just because I'm trying to get my work done, sorry". Also, don't sit in the back of the classroom, because then, you're tempted to dilly dally, or look at other websites while the teacher isn't looking. Try to sit in the front of the class, facing the teacher, so that you're more motivated to do your work.
4. Try to Ignore Upperclassman
Try to ignore the upperclassman, (sophomore, junior, senior) and focus on your friends in your grade... older people definitely try to be as**holes on purpose, just because your freshman. Don't even try to confront them if they tease you. It happened to me earlier today. Some sophomores were purposely running into my friend and I as we were walking to the bathroom. They were also following us just so that they could get in our way. But we just ignored it, and they eventually stopped, because they weren't getting the pleasure of our genuine reactions. Even though they did it about 3-4 times before they stopped... If you have friends in older grades, then of course you can talk to them, but try to stay away from older people you don"t know. Just mind your own business and you'll be fine.
5. Make Friends With The New Kids
There are definitely going to be new people in your grade, and trust me, they're just as scared as you are, maybe even more. So, just try to talk to them, make friends with them, and take them under your wing. Because both of you are new to the high school. They'll be happy to have you as their first friend in their new school.
6. Buy A Lock, And Memorize The Code
You should definitely buy a lock from the school, or from the store, and memorize the code that comes with it. Also, find a way to remember your locker number, that way you have no problem finding it later. Usually it's written on your schedule, but just in case, write it on a piece of paper, along with your locker combination, and keep it in your backpack for safe keeping.
7. Dont Be Afraid to Ask a Teacher For Help Finding Your Way
If your lost, ]don't be afraid to ask a teacher or administrator for help finding your classroom. Sometimes, they are purposely standing outside of their doors for your convenience. It'll help prevent you from being late to class the first couple of days, but after about a week, you should be able to find your classes easily, after getting used to the way that the building is set up.
8. Stay as Organized as Possible
If you keep a planner, or some kind of notebook on you for writing down your assignments, you will be able to complete your homework more easily, rather than just trying to memorize it yourself. Also, get a couple of binders for separate days, so that you have less to carry around altogether. If you also switch out the items in your backpack daily, you will again, have less to carry later that day.
9. SAVE AND WRITE DOWN EVERYTHING
You are TOTALLY gonna end up needing a ton of notes later in the year, as you're studying for mid terms, and finals. Writing a ton of notes, keeping every piece of paper you receive, and bookmarking things in your textbook will make mid terms, finals, quizzes, and unit tests a hell of a lot easier. You'll thank me for telling you this later.
10. Have Fun
I know this sounds cliche, but as true as it is, high school is going to be some of the best, and most challenging 4 years of your life. If you study hard, get good grades, and keep a solid GPA the first three years, you don't have to try as hard in senior year.
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