Top tips: Navigating the first day of high school

High school is a big transition for kids and families, and the first day can be a whirlwind of activity and emotions. Understanding what typically happens can help alleviate some of the uncertainty and prepare your teen for the day ahead. Let’s take a look at what to expect on the first day of high school, tips for a successful start, and strategies to handle feelings of anxiety or worry.

What to expect on the first day of high school

Typically, it involves a combination of orientation activities, meeting teachers, and learning a new school environment and schedule. Remember, it's perfectly normal for your teen to feel a bit overwhelmed at first. Remind them that they're not alone in this experience and that it's okay to ask for directions from teachers, staff, or friendly upperclassmen. Here are some common first day of high school events:

1. New environment and layout

One of the most immediate challenges your teen will face is navigating a new, often larger school building. Some have multiple floors, wings, and specialized areas like science labs and computer rooms. Encourage your teen to familiarize themselves with their schedule, locker, and classroom locations to help ease first-day jitters.

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2. Orientation activities

Many schools host orientation sessions or tours to help new students get acquainted with the school layout, policies, and key staff members. If your school provides a map, have your teen study it beforehand and, if possible, take a tour of the school before the first day. Even a little bit of familiarity can reduce feelings of stress and the likelihood of getting lost between classes.

3. Schedule and class locations

Unlike in middle school, high school students often have more varied schedules with classes in different locations throughout the building. Your teen will need to navigate between classrooms within short time windows, sometimes only five minutes.

To help your teen prepare, review their class schedule together and identify the locations of each classroom on the school map. Practice the routes between classes during orientation or before the first day. This rehearsal can boost your teen's confidence and reduce anxiety about getting to class on time.

4. Introduction to teachers and coursework

Your teen will likely meet most of their teachers and get acquainted with course expectations. Teachers typically use this time to introduce themselves, outline the syllabus, and explain classroom rules and procedures.

Prepare your student to take notes and write down any required materials, upcoming assignments, or important grading policies. Encourage them to ask questions if anything is unclear – it's a great way to start building positive relationships with teachers.

Many teachers also use icebreaker activities to help students get to know each other. While these can feel awkward, remind your teen that everyone is in the same boat, and these activities can be a great opportunity to make new friends.

9 tips for a successful first day of high school

Consider some of these practical ideas to help ensure a smooth experience for your teen on their first day:

1. Prepare the night before: Help your teen choose and lay out their outfit and pack their backpack ahead of time. Consider any dress code requirements. Having clothes ready saves time and helps prevent last-minute wardrobe crises.

2. Organize supplies: Did your school provide a required supplies list? Make sure you have those items, including the basics like notebooks, pens and pencils, and a map of the school. Remember to include a nutritious lunch or lunch money if needed!

3. Go to bed early: A well-rested mind can make it easier to handle such a big day. Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep, which is the recommended minimum for teenagers.

4. Establish a morning routine: A consistent, structured morning plan helps set a positive tone for the day and helps kids get to school on time and ready to learn. Set multiple alarms to allow plenty of time for your teen to wake up, eat breakfast, and get ready without rushing for a calm start to the day. 

5. Eat breakfast! A balanced meal with protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats helps sustain energy longer. If your teen isn't typically hungry in the morning, have them pack a healthy snack they can eat during a break.

6. Arrive early: Encourage kids to arrive at school early to allow extra time for locating their first class and locker. It’s helpful if they carry their schedule with them throughout the day for easy reference.

7. Stay organized: A planner or digital calendar can help your teen keep track of assignments, classes, activities, and important dates. It’s great time management practice.

8. Stay positive: A good attitude can make a world of difference on the first day of high school. Help your teen cultivate an optimistic outlook to set them up for success. Suggest they set small, achievable goals for the day. For example, introducing themselves to at least one new person, or asking a question in class.

9. Be open: Emphasize the importance of being open and friendly. Smiling, making eye contact, and being approachable can help your teen connect with peers and start building a supportive social network.

How to calm first-day jitters

It’s normal for teenagers to feel anxious about their first day of high school. Here’s how you can support them:

• Acknowledge their feelings: The first step in managing anxious feelings is to create an open, supportive environment where your teen feels comfortable expressing their concerns. Listen actively and validate their feelings when your teen shares their worries. Let them know it's okay to be nervous about such a big change.

• Share your experiences: Hearing that you also felt nervous or unsure can help normalize these feelings for your teen and make them feel less alone in their experience.

• Teach coping strategies: Help teens develop healthy ways to manage emotions and feel more in control.

  1. Teach simple breathing exercises to calm down if they start feeling overwhelmed. Deep belly breathing or the 4-7-8 technique (inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7, exhale for 8) can be done discreetly and help reduce anxiety in the moment.

  2. Encourage positive self-talk. 

  3. Write down their worries. Sometimes, putting feelings on paper can make them feel more manageable. You can then work together to address each concern and develop strategies to cope.

• Focus on positives: Remind your teen that everyone else is in the same situation – and they’re probably nervous, too. Guide them to stay focused on the exciting opportunities that high school offers, like new friends, extracurriculars, and interesting classes. Remind them of their past successes adapting to new situations, whether it was starting middle school, joining a new team, or moving to a new neighborhood.

What to do after the first day of high school 

• Consider sending a supportive text message during lunch or between classes. A simple "Thinking of you!" or "Hope you're having a great day!" can boost kids’ spirits without embarrassing them.

• If possible, arrange for a friend or family member to be home when your teen returns from school. Having a familiar face to greet them and listen to their experiences can be comforting.

• Consider having a special dinner or small celebration to mark the occasion. This doesn't have to be elaborate – even ordering their favorite takeout can make the day feel special.

• Reflect as a family. Be prepared to listen actively when your teen wants to share about their day. Ask open-ended questions like "What was the most interesting part of your day?" or "Tell me about your new teachers..." to encourage conversation. 

• Discuss any concerns or challenges your teen encountered during the day. Work together to brainstorm solutions or strategies for addressing these issues moving forward.

Top 3 things to remember on the first day of high school

Handling the first day successfully involves a mix of preparation and positivity. If your child does nothing else, encourage them to:

1. Stay positive: Go in with an attitude of trying your best without expectations. Focus on the new experiences and opportunities that lie ahead.

2. Ask for help: If you’re unsure about something, ask a teacher or peer. It’s a great excuse to introduce yourself, too.

3. Be yourself: Authenticity makes social interactions easier and helps build genuine connections and friendships.

Enjoy the ride

The first day of high school marks the beginning of an exciting journey for your teenager. By knowing what to expect, trying some of these practical tips, and teaching healthy strategies to manage emotions, you can help your teen make a confident and successful start. Enjoy the ride!

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.