What to Expect in Your Freshman Year of High School
A student's honest guide to settling in, joining in, making friends and enjoying the start of high school.
August 17, 2023 · By Arushi Dubey
High school can be an exciting, or even intimidating, experience. That is because there is often a large difference between middle school and high school, with high school perhaps having a larger student body, or being more academically rigorous. For many students in Dubai, freshman year is also when IGCSE coursework begins, which can make the jump feel even bigger. Here is what you can expect in your first year, and why there is nothing to fear.
Starting High School Is a Big Change
There will be a large adjustment. The start of high school is particularly challenging for most students: you may be unfamiliar with where your classes take place, and with who your teachers and fellow peers are. Your first day may leave you with feelings of discomfort, but I assure you, with time you will end up adjusting to your surroundings. Every big change requires time. To avoid being late to class, make sure you ask those around you for help, perhaps one of your friends, a teacher, or a tutor.
More Opportunities
Being in high school means you are given many more opportunities to explore your interests, as there is a large variety of extracurriculars to take part in. Taking part in extracurriculars early on can be useful for college applications, and it also allows you to socialise and meet plenty of new people! Furthermore, in your first year it is recommended that you experiment: get involved in activities that you have never done before. You might end up really enjoying yourself!
You Will Meet New People
In high school, due to the large number of students, you are more than likely to meet new people and make new friends. Doing so might be difficult in the first few weeks, but it is guaranteed that before you even know it, even if it may seem impossible at first, you will find people you can enjoy yourself with and tackle high school alongside.
You Are Going to Have Fun
No matter how daunting high school might seem, having fun is inevitable. You will go through new experiences, some difficult, some enjoyable, but regardless of what happens, there will be moments in your four year journey through high school that will excite you.
A Time for Self-Discovery
Freshman year will be a time for self-discovery. You are going to learn a plethora of things about yourself that you did not know previously, and you might discover new interests or hobbies! This period of time is likely to be very exciting, so make the most of it. And if the academic side ever feels overwhelming, working with a private tutor can make settling in a lot smoother.
Arushi Dubey
Student contributor at Unitors, writing about school life and study tips.
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