For instance, you could have questions about how long the break is between classes, or if you need to bring in your summer reading books on the first day.

If you still have questions when the orientation is over, you can talk to the teacher or counselor leading the orientation. If you don’t want to ask in front of the group, you can talk to them separately. If your school does not hold an orientation, tell your parents that you have questions about the first day. They will help you to find a phone number or email address of someone in the school you can contact to get these questions answered.

If you are new to your school district, try to talk to at least a couple of people. You can also try to figure out who else is new and talk to them! Ask your classmates what they did over the summer, and how they feel to be starting high school. Many of them are probably feeling just as nervous as you!

You can even make notes on your schedule next to your classes, saying things like, “Room 113, first floor across from the wood shop. ”

Ask them any questions that you have. You can also ask them what the best and worst part of starting high school was for them, and how high school was different than what they expected before they started. Ask them what advice they have for someone starting at your high school. Their advice can be valuable since they’ve already gone through freshman year! Their answers can give you valuable information about what to expect, which is a huge part of feeling less nervous on the first day.

You can try to meet up with your friends, or you can call them on the phone to talk and make plans. If you don’t know anyone that is going to your high school, talk with your parents or your friends. Even though they are not starting high school with you, they probably know exactly what you are feeling and can offer advice about the first day.

If you are starting a new school, you may not have friends that you can make plans with in advance. Know that there are going to be other new girls in your grade, and that they probably will be looking for people to sit with too!

Stick to a classic outfit over the latest trend. You may not know how people dress at your school, so it’s better to play it safe. Try not to underdress or overdress. You shouldn’t wear sweats and a T-shirt on the first day. You also shouldn’t wear heels and a cocktail dress. Make sure that your outfit is a happy medium of the two, so that you look put-together but not like you are going to a night club. If your school has a uniform, focus on your hair and makeup and your accessories. This is how you can individualize your look.

Try eating foods like scrambled eggs or oatmeal. They will give you the lasting energy that you will need for your first day!

You can try setting your alarm 10 or 15 minutes before you had planned if you are worried that you won’t have enough time.

If you don’t know anyone at your new school, try to figure out who the new students are and sit with them. They will be as eager to make new friends as you are! You can also sit next to anyone who seems friendly and nice. In every school there are people who go out of their way to talk to the new students and make them feel welcome.

Ask your classmates what they did over the summer. This is a great way to break the ice! Compliment other girls on their clothing. This is also a great way to start a conversation with other girls, and they will appreciate the compliment. If talking to other classmates would make you too nervous, set a goal for yourself to talk to at least one new person. Even making one small connection can make you feel more confident.

After the summer, being around so many people can add to your anxiety about the first day. This is why it’s beneficial to know that you can always take a break if you need it. Don’t take too long of a break. Just take a few minutes to breathe and collect your thoughts, about as long as a normal bathroom break would be.

Try to be the kind of person you’d want to meet on your first day. Although important, try to focus less on your own feelings and more on getting familiar with your new school and meeting and talking to your classmates, which will be the most important thing on your first day.