Ready to have four memorable high school years after learning these high school freshman tips? These are the tried and true tips that you need to know about.
To be quite honest, going to high school can feel a bit intimidating. And that’s totally normal! That’s why having a few helpful freshman tips can really make a difference in setting you up for an amazing and successful four years.
New environment, new teachers, a much bigger school with taller and larger students. It can feel like a lot at first. And just so you know, you’re not the only one feeling nervous. Everyone is figuring it out, even the ones who seem like they’ve got it all together.
Although it may be intimidating, it is also super exciting! You’re about to dive into new experiences, make new friends, and take important steps toward whatever your goals may be. When I started high school, I remember feeling completely lost trying to find my classes. I had to stop and use the school map, haha.
Those first awkward days turned into some of the best memories once I found my people and my rhythm. High school is the start of a new chapter, and it has the potential to be something truly unforgettable.
This post is all about high school freshman tips.
AMAZING HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN TIPS:
1. Get Involved, But Don’t Overcommit
Why It Helps? I am a huge advocate for getting involved on your high school campus! Being involved with extracurricular activities is an amazing opportunity to gain a multitude of experiences.
When I was in high school, I just knew I was going to be an OBGYN. I wanted to deliver babies! So, what did I do? I joined a medical club at my high school.
Plot twist… A few meetings in, and I realized… the medical field was not for me. But honestly? That club was a huge eye-opener. It helped me figure out what I didn’t want to do for a career, which led me to start focusing on what actually excites me. And guess what? You can do the same!
Feeling a little awkward making friends? Joining a club is a game-changer. It’s one of the easiest ways to meet people who geek out over the same things you do.
Showing your involvement on campus makes you as a student stand out tremendously when you are applying to college, jobs, internships, or volunteer opportunities. It’s such a great advantage!
But here’s the thing: don’t overdo it with the number of extracurricular activities that you sign up for. Be realistic with the time that you have. Remember, you are a student first!
School Counselor Tip: Start with one or two clubs, sports, or volunteer activities. Manage your time effectively by writing down key details, such as meetings, practice sessions, and volunteer days. Please be sure to leave room for homework and self-care.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Why It Helps? Coming into a whole new world called high school can feel a little scary! New classes, new people, new everything. And when you’re confused, raising your hand might feel like the scariest thing ever. But here’s the truth: asking questions can seriously change the game for you.
It can be the difference between passing or failing a class.
If you’re stuck and don’t speak up, your homework can take a hit, and your test scores might drop too. Even worse, you get so overwhelmed that you stop turning things in at all.
Good news! There’s no such thing as a dumb question. Seriously. If something doesn’t make sense, say something. Speaking up shows strength and it’s how you take charge of your learning.
Chances are, someone else in class is wondering the exact same thing.
So raise that hand. Send that email. Ask that question. Your future self will thank you for it.
School Counselor Tip: If you’re feeling nervous about asking questions during class, no worries, that’s absolutely normal. Try catching your teacher before or after class, or write your questions down and ask them later. Teachers really do notice when you’re trying, and they appreciate the effort you’re putting in to succeed in the classroom.
3. Ask Your Teachers About Tutoring
Why It Helps? A good amount of freshmen don’t realize that their high school offers tutoring services, and it can help boost their grades.
If there’s a subject you know you’re struggling with, try asking your teacher something like, “I’m having a hard time with this math lesson. Do you offer tutoring or know where I can get help?”
It’s a simple question that can go a long way. And if asking in class feels uncomfortable, no worries. Just check out the earlier tip about other ways to reach out to your teacher.
School Counselor Tip: Make a list of your school’s tutoring options, including the days, times, and locations, so you always know where to go for help. Attending just one tutoring session will not fix years of struggling. Consistency is key. The more often you go, the more confident and prepared you’ll become.
4. Focus on Building Good Habits
Why It Helps? The habits you build in high school do make a difference and can positively shape your entire experience.
When you take the time to develop strong study habits and learn how to manage your time, everything starts to feel more manageable. You can avoid the panic of last minute assignments and the stress of pulling all nighters. I’ve had to do an all nighter because of poor time management, and let me tell you, NEVER again. Trust me!!
Being consistent with good habits like setting a study schedule, breaking big tasks into smaller steps, and keeping track of deadlines can pay off. Not only do they help you stay on top of your schoolwork, but they often lead to better grades and that can open doors for many beneficial opportunities!
School Counselor Tip: Try sticking to a consistent bedtime, laying out your clothes the night before so mornings feel less chaotic, or setting aside just 30 minutes in the evening to glance over your notes. These little habits might not seem like a big deal now, but over time, they can seriously level up your daily routine and make life way less stressful.
5. Take Care of Your Mental Health
Why It Helps? To be completely honest, high school can be a lot. With classes, assignments, social pressures, and trying to figure out who you are, it can feel overwhelming and mentally exhausting. As a school counselor, I see that, and I truly understand what you’re going through.
That’s why I want to talk about something that, at times, gets overlooked, and that is your mental health.
Taking care of your mind isn’t just about feeling better emotionally. It also helps everything else in your life run more smoothly. When you’re mentally recharged, you can focus better, learn more easily, and handle stress more effectively. Over time, making your mental health a priority can lead to real success, both in school and in life.
School Counselor Tip: Find a coping mechanism that works for you! Some examples of coping techniques are journaling, exercise, art, etc). Use it on a routine basis to manage your stress levels. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your school counselor or mental health counselor if you are struggling.
6. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Why It Helps? It’s so easy to look at what other people are doing and start doubting your own progress, but your mindset can seriously mess with your confidence and mental well-being. The truth is, everyone moves at their own pace, and that’s perfectly okay. The only person you should be in competition with is yourself.
I want you to try to be just a little better than you were yesterday. This high school freshman tip also goes beyond high school. Whether it’s in school, sports, friendships, or life in general, growth is personal, and you shouldn’t view it as a race.
You are something truly unique. High school is a journey of self-discovery. You got this!
School Counselor Tip: Write down one thing you did better today than yesterday. Keep track for a week. You’ll be surprised how much you grow when you focus on your very own progress.
7. Learn How to Navigate Friendships
Why It Helps? Friendships can be amazing, but let’s be honest, they can also be a little tricky to navigate. You’re growing, changing, and figuring out who you are, and that can sometimes mean outgrowing certain relationships or setting boundaries that protect your peace.
One of the most important skills you can build right now is learning how to handle conflict in a healthy way and setting clear boundaries with the people around you. This isn’t always easy, especially when you want to fit in or keep the peace, but it’s essential.
Feel free to visit your school counselor for advice on how to navigate those uncomfortable situations if or when they come up.
“No” is a complete sentence. Understand that you are your own person and you do not have to follow the crowd as tempting as it may seem. It’s okay to say no to things that make you uncomfortable, to take a step back when a friendship feels one sided, or to walk away from situations that don’t align with your values.
In the post linked below, I dive deeper into how to choose your friends wisely, what red flags to watch out for, and how to build relationships that actually uplift you not not drain you.
School Counselor Tip: Don’t be afraid to seek advice from an adult, your school counselor or trusted mentor if you need help with social challenges.
{RELATED POST: 13 Life-Changing High School Survival Tips Every High School Student Should Know}
8. Make Memories & Have Fun
Why It Helps? High school is the perfect time to make memories that last. Go to the games, scream at pep rallies, watch the school play, sign up for field trips. These moments turn into the stories you’ll remember years from now.
Back when I was in high school, I had a blast going to football games and pep rallies. I even used to ride the city bus with a friend just to hang out at the mall and eat at the food court. Simple things, but they were honestly the best times.
Now, as a school counselor, I still love being part of it all, the games, dances, field trips, and prom. I get to see students create their own unforgettable moments, and I can’t recommend it enough.
School Counselor Tip: Try something new, show up, and find something that excites you, whether it’s hanging out with friends, playing a game, or going to a football game in the student section. Balance is key.
9. Grab a Planner or Digital Calendar
Why It Helps? Freshmen often get overwhelmed with managing multiple assignments, tests, and extracurriculars. Organization is a huge component to success!
Personally, I love using a physical planner to map out my week, and I also keep a digital calendar on my phone for reminders on the go. Find what works for you and stick with it.
When you have a system in place, everything feels more manageable. You’ll thank yourself later!
School Counselor Tip: Use color coding in a planner or digital calendar to visually organize assignments by due date or subject. Try setting reminders 2-3 days before the due date.
10. Learn How to Study Effectively
Why It Helps? Just putting in hours on homework doesn’t always mean you’re actually learning. It’s not about how long you study, but how you study.
Studying techniques such as like summarizing notes, quizzing yourself using practice tests, or teaching the material to someone else can make a huge difference. These methods help you really understand and remember what you’re learning.
Work smarter, not just longer. Your brain will thank you!
School Counselor Tip: Break study sessions into 30-minute intervals, followed by a 5-minute break.
11. Attend Open House
Why It Helps? Going to the open house is such a smart move! It gives you a chance to walk around the campus, meet your teachers, and ask any questions before the first day. Trust me, feeling a little more prepared can make that first week way less stressful.
School Counselor Tip: Contact your school and find out when your school will hold an open house event.
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