Many freshmen struggle with transitioning from middle school to high school; it’s no easy task, after all. Schoolwork becomes harder and more demanding, friendships may become strained, and the newfound freedom can be overwhelming at times. To combat the difficulties of transitioning, our upperclassmen have suggested a few things you can do. 

Organization is one of the most important things. Using a planner or digital calendar to keep track of homework, tests, and assignments can help you avoid last-minute stress. “Build good study habits in freshman year so you don’t have to struggle during later years when you have more work to do,” says Jesse Holt, a junior. “You should put aside an hour a day for schoolwork. Building a routine can help you in the future.” 

A senior who wished to be anonymous says, “Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Everyone needs assistance at some point in their lives. There’s no shame in reaching out to a counselor or one of your teachers to go over a point you missed or a subject you don’t feel confident in. There are many tutoring programs and clubs available to help you, too.” Feeling challenged is a part of the learning process. Don’t beat yourself up over mistakes.

It’s important to prioritize your own health as well. Taking care of yourself is essential, and balance between your personal life and school-life is key. Make time for both and try not to overwhelm or overwork yourself. If you prioritize one over the other, you’ll become burnt out. 

Overall, there are three main components to having a successful freshman year: Organization, support, and balance.