Are you scared about moving up to senior high school? It can be a new experience, but you shouldn’t worry. We’ve put together a guide on how to survive the first week.

Remember everybody else in your year is in the same boat. They may not realize it, but they’re just as nervous as you are. Moving to senior high is an opportunity, not a problem. Things are different and all you need to do is be polite and learn the new rules.

If you’re unsure what to do or are worried about anything, then you had better ask for help. Teachers are probably the best people to turn to as they’re experienced in helping new students. Some senior high schools also have a “friends system”. If your school has this, then you will be paired with an older student. They will look out for you and help you if you have any problems or questions.

There are lots of differences between junior high school and senior high school. You’ll have a homework diary or a student planner. You will have your lessons with different teachers in different rooms. You will have homework for different subjects on different days, so make sure you get organized. Make sure you have a copy of your school timetable written down so you know which rooms your classes are in and on which days you will have your different subjects.

If you’ve got an older brother or sister at the school, then ask them for advice.

Be yourself! It sounds simple, but people will know you much better if you just act naturally. Having early nights makes a difference and you’ll find it easier to get up in the morning!

It’s school time again! You’re probably feeling excited and maybe a little sad for the vacation is over. Some kids feel nervous or a little scared on the first day of school because of all the new things: new teachers, new friends, and maybe even a new school. Luckily, these “new” worries only stick around for a little while. Let’s find out more about going back to school.

Most teachers kick off the school year by introducing themselves and talking about what you’ll be doing that year. Some teachers give students a chance to tell something about themselves to the rest of the class.  

When teachers do the talking on the first day, they often go over classroom rules so you’ll know what’s allowed and what’s not. Pay close attention so you’ll know if you need to raise your hand to ask a question and what the rules are about visiting the restroom.

You might already know a lot of people in your class on the first day. But it’s a great day to make new friends, so try to say “hello” to the kids you know and the new ones that you don’t. Make the first move and you’ll be glad about what you did and so will your new friends!

Most teachers let you pick your own seat on the first day, but by the second or third morning, they’ll have mapped out a seating plan. It’s a good idea to write down where your seat is in your notebook so you don’t forget.

Here are a few final tips for a fantastic (奇异的) first day: Get enough sleep; Have a healthy breakfast; Try your best; Develop good work habits, like writing down your assignments (作业) and handing in your homework on time; Take your time with schoolwork; If you don’t understand something, ask the teacher.

My problems started after I went to a boarding (寄宿) school. I was only 14, and at first I missed my family a lot. I often called them and cried on the phone. But after two weeks, I found that I enjoyed being with my classmates at school. I had many friends who were boys. I thought of them as my best friends — but only friends. I never guessed my friendships with boys would become a problem.

Then, three months later, my friends told me that some teachers and girls said I was staying with boys all day long in order to get attention from them. Seven months after that, the head teacher Mr. Wang asked the class to choose some students to join the Student Union (学生会). I thought I could win, for I was doing well in school. I had already won prizes for the best math and English exams. A week later, the list came out and it didn’t include me. I was sad.

Mr. Wang came to me and said, “Don’t be sad. I know you’re excellent! Maybe you are a little distant from the girls in our class. They don’t know much about you, so some of them didn’t choose you. It doesn’t matter. Do your best to get along well with everyone and I think you’ll make it next time.”