You’ve gotten your books, bag, and uniforms, but are you really ready? Before we even get into your first form survival kit, here’s your first instruction Get a good night’s rest: somewhere between seven and nine hours, every night, is recommended.

1. Eat a good breakfast: You’ll be that much more alert after re-fuelling with a healthy breakfast. Cars need gas; you need food. 

2. It’s okay to feel nervous or scared: Odds are even the cool kids are a little scared.  

3. Read the handbook; get to know the school rules: The ‘I didn’t know’ card only works for so long. 

4. Get to know your schedule: Make copies of your timetable and get familiar with the texts you’ll need for the different subjects, and which days you’ll need them. Consult your timetable regularly to avoid mix-ups and confusion, and be sure to pack your bags when you are not in a hurry so as to avoid leaving materials behind. Packing your bags the night before works best.  

5. Join a club: Find out about the clubs, societies and sporting groups at your new school, and join one you’re interested in. This will help you feel integrated, and they’re fun! If you find yourself thinking about joining an activity a lot, but you’re a bit nervous go for it anyway! You’ll regret it if you don’t try.  

6. Stay on top of things: Get an assignment book and take note of all the assignments you are given, as well as dates for tests and quizzes. Check it every night. 

7.Revise regularly.  

10. Manage your time well: Procrastination is the thief of time. It’s easy to get carried away; establish a homework and study routine and stick to it. 

9. All assignments are important: Even if your teacher has informed your class that a particular assignment will not be graded it is still in your best interest to do it. The teacher gave the assignment for a reason, after all.  

11. Ask for help if you need it: The moment you begin to feel overwhelmed talk to someone. A trusted teacher, counselor or class prefect can help. It’s okay to ask for help if you don’t understand a topic or you feel swamped with work. 

12. Take a deep breath: You might be wary of this social situation but you’re not alone. Every other first former is as nervous and excited and wide-eyed as you are. Make friends but beware of friendships with students that are much older than you are. Remember it is very important to have friends that are experiencing similar things to you and have similar values and ideals. Older students are likely to belittle or play down issues you face at this stage in your life and it is easy to feel pressured into certain behaviours to impress them.