Lots of schools organise induction days or social events before term starts. Go along, get to know a few people and check out who is in your class. They may not turn out to be your new ‘best friends forever,’ but knowing a face in the crowd is a good feeling. And people will want to be friendly – you’re all new together.
Buy an alarm clock. Most secondary schools start at 8.30am so if you have a long journey, you may have an early start.
Always eat some breakfast, even if you feel nervous. It’s a long time until lunch.
Put in plenty of practice at tying your tie. You’ll need to be able to do it at speed and under pressure (e.g. after PE) and in a range of styles (long and thin, short and wide). Then practise putting it on and taking it off without undoing it.
If you’re worried about the uniform (skirt vs. trousers), take a trip to the school before the summer holidays and check out what everyone else is wearing.
If you need to use an Oyster Zip card or travel pass, make sure you apply for it in plenty of time – it may take a couple of weeks to come through, so don’t leave it until the end of the holidays.
Get some passport photos taken – they’re useful for a travel pass or library card.
Work out your route to school, whether you’re walking or taking public transport. Practise until you’re confident and time yourself. Also, make sure you have an alternative route in case of problems with transport. If it helps, draw a map.
Buy a very big, very strong bag. You will have loads to carry and that’s not counting the days when you’ll have your PE kit. Girls, don’t be tempted to buy a handbag – they’re fashionable but they really won’t last.
Does your new school have lockers or will you be carrying your coat around with you all day? If you do, you may need a lightweight one you can stuff into your bag.
If you can, find a friend to walk with on your first day. Things won’t seem so daunting if you can go with someone.
Be prepared to just ‘hang out’ at playtime.
Don’t call it ‘playtime’ – it’s ‘break’ now.
Work out how you’ll be paying for your lunch – if it’s a card or fingerprint system, make sure you’re topped up for your first day.
Try not to eat pizza every day.
Find out where the toilets are.
Find out your new school’s policy on mobile phones, preferably before yours goes off in the middle of geography.
Stock up on sticky-backed plastic – you’ll have plenty of exercise books which will need covering.
When you are given your timetable, make at least three copies: one for your bag, one for your pocket and a spare for home.
Get your new friends’ phone numbers – you may need to give them a call if you have a last-minute homework panic.
Find out all you can about your new friends. Your mum is bound to ask.
Be organised. If you’re given a student diary or planner, use it to write down your homework – when there is so much going on, it’s easy to forget.
Go through your timetable and pack your bag the night before – there’s never time in the morning to find your maths book.
Join a library. It’s a great place to go if you want to do some homework or to get books to help you with a piece of research.
Never be afraid to ask for help if you’re not sure where to go.
At lesson changeover, stick with someone who knows where they’re going.
Relax and try to enjoy it – in no time at all, it’ll seem like you’ve been there forever and this time next year, you’ll be showing the new intake around the school.
