tips for starting at a new school

​Starting at a new school can be scary, especially if you’re starting in the middle of the year or if you’ve just moved to a new place. This page is full of tips that can help make the transition easier.

interacting with classmates

  • Start conversations by introducing yourself, giving a compliment, or asking a question.
  • Don’t take it personally or become upset if someone isn’t interested in talking with you. Just move on and start a conversation with someone else.
  • Be yourself. You can’t form a real friendship with anyone if you’re pretending to be someone you’re not.
  • Keep your mind open to new people, activities, and opportunities. Don’t be afraid to try something new (within reason)
  • Stay true to what you believe in and what you know is right, regardless of what other people are doing.
  • Don’t judge someone until you get to know them. “That weird kid” might end up becoming your best friend if you give him a chance. 
Check out my Teen Talk friendship page!

interacting with teachers

  • Give your teacher(s) a good first impression of you. How you behave on the first day will likely influence the way your teacher thinks of you for the rest of the year. Perceptions can be changed, of course, but sometimes it takes a while.
  • Teachers aren’t mindreaders. If the work is too hard or if you don’t understand something, LET THEM KNOW! Same with if you’re having trouble learning for any other reason. Most teachers are more than willing to help their students, but they won’t be able to help you if they don’t know what’s wrong.
  • Each teacher has different things that they allow and don’t allow. It’s a good idea to pay attention to this and to figure out what kinds of behavior each teacher expects. One may love to see students working together and talking things through; another may prefer it when students are quiet and raise their hands for help.
  • There are certain things that all teachers don’t like, such as rudeness, disobedience, and disrespect. Try your best to avoid these kinds of behaviors. If you have a problem with a teacher, talk to them about it privately, not in the middle of class with all your classmates listening.
  • It can be helpful to ask other kids about what certain teachers are like, but be careful not to let their opinions influence yours. Everyone has their own personality and learning style, so a teacher who your friend hated might end up being an amazing teacher for you. 

starting in the middle of the year

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  • Before you officially start, see if you can take a tour of the school so you can be familiar with the layout and know where to find important rooms
  • See if you can get a student handbook that details the rules and other information about the school. If not, make sure you ask a staff member about the rules early on so you’ll know what to expect. It really stinks to in trouble for something you didn’t know was against the rules!
  • Check with your teacher(s) about what the class has been learning. If it’s content you haven’t gotten to yet, let your teacher(s) know that so they can help you catch up.  
  • Find out who your guidance counselor is and introduce yourself to him or her. This is who you’ll go to if you need help with your schedule or with a social situation.