This article was co-authored by Ashley Pritchard, MA. Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine.
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Want to have a great first day at school? Here is the complete guide on how to do just that! Starting from the night before and going to the first morning, this guide will steer your way into a great year.
Steps
Prior to Your First Day
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1Buy your outfit about a week before school starts. Buy a bunch of plain, dark, light, or ripped jeans, as well as plain color T-shirts. Those clothing pieces look good with anything. Wait until school starts to do the bulk of your shopping, to see what's "in".
- Mix and match you clothes to see what looks good together.
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2Make sure you know your way around school before the first day. Visit your school prior to your first day, if possible, to get familiar with your surroundings. Attend an open house or student orientation if your school hosts one.Advertisement
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3Lay out your clothes the night before. This can save time and therefore prevent you from being late on your first day. Lay out an undershirt, underwear, top, bottom, socks, and shoes, as well as any accessories you want. Also make an alternative outfit in case you change your mind.
- If you have a uniform, make sure it's been washed, pressed, and hung up. Always wear full school uniform on the first day of school.
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4Make sure everything is together. Lay out your makeup supplies if you plan to put on makeup. Buy a notebook and binder for every class, and pack them into your backpack before the first day.
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5Ditch first day jitters. Look in the mirror and practice your smile and conversation starters. Keep your head up and smile— confidence is key.
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6Aim for a beautiful smile and good breath. Brush your teeth well, and rinse with mouthwash both before and after you brush your teeth. Pack some mints for your locker, too.
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7Have supplies for your locker. The basics are extra shelf inserts— a plastic mirror, books, notebooks, and pencils. Also keep a box of "extras" for anything you'll need: a mini brush, lip gloss, mascara, etc.
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8Carry a small purse to class with you if you would like to. In it, you can pack gum/mints, extra pens, pads or tampons, and anything else. Don't over-pack. Only bring the essentials: extra supplies, makeup, and only what you need for the class.
- Use a small Puma handbag or a Hollister tote if you don't want to carry a purse. They are fairly durable.
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9Make sure everything is ready, and even triple check. Though you won't need much on Day 1, you should still get everything you can into your locker.
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10Write everything on your mind down. You can write things you are worried about, or things you're excited about— whatever makes you relax better. Write in bold/large letters, "I'll Do Great!" Keep the paper under your pillow, or if you don't want someone to find it, throw it away somewhere.
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11Get to sleep early. This will help you look and feel good on your first day. Start on a steady sleep schedule 1-2 weeks before school starts. If it is too late for that, start as soon as you can.
On Your First Day
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1Wake up early. Take a quick shower if you have time. This will freshen you up and make you more awake.
- If you don't have time for a shower, be sure to shower the night before so that you still appear clean and beautiful.
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2Go through your morning routine as usual. Brush your teeth, get dressed, do your hair, and apply on your makeup.
- Don't forget to eat a healthy breakfast![1] You can have cereal and fruit or some oatmeal, for example.
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3Be confident. Even if you are feeling a bit anxious, convince yourself you're totally relaxed and confident. Tell yourself that people won't shove you through the halls, but help and respect you instead.
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4Meet your friends by the entrance, if possible. You will feel a lot better if you walk into school with your friends, so you aren't so lost, or look like you don't know where to go. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to new people, and always be friendly.
- If this is your first day in a completely new neighborhood, and you don't have any friends just yet, then promise yourself you'll make some.
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5Choose a bag that you would like to bring with you. You can bring a purse or a backpack, whichever you prefer.
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6Get into the spirit. Make lots of friends, join a few clubs, and get to know your teachers. Promise yourself it will be a great year at school.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do I calm my anxiety on the first day of school?Ashley Pritchard, MAAshley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine.
School Counselor -
QuestionHow can I be prepared for the first day of school?Ashley Pritchard, MAAshley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine.
School Counselor -
QuestionWhat should I pack in my school bag for the first day?Ashley Pritchard, MAAshley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine.
School Counselor
Warnings
- Don't focus on looking good all the time. Your grades are more important! That's the reason you are in school!⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Plan everything out so you won't be stuck confused the first day! Just have fun!⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Instead of worrying about what other people are thinking about how you look, strike up a conversation with people so they will have a good impression of you.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Try not to get caught up in the drama. Most of it is pointless.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- If you want to wear makeup, do it however suits your personal taste! Other people aren't wearing it, so they shouldn't ridicule you for it.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- When you pack (or buy) get healthy, but good tasting things. If you get everything all fatty, people will start to wonder, but don't get things you hate! Try and focus on being the healthiest you can be.⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. School Counselor. Expert Interview. 4 November 2019.