How to Know What to Expect in Middle School

Last Updated: May 6, 2021 References

Leaving the small world of elementary school to the big world of middle school can be nerve-racking at first. Middle school means more homework, new teachers, new friends, and many more changes from elementary school. Read on for some advice which will help you settle into your new school.

Steps

1
Try to have a place for everything. If you have a heavy backpack, put the heaviest things at the bottom and have the lightest things at the top. If your school doesn't have lockers, it's okay. It just means you have to carry everything in your backpack. If you don't want to carry everything on your back, get a roller backpack so you have less strain on the things you have to carry.^{[1]
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2
Do your homework. In middle school, there is more homework than in elementary school. Homework should be done first thing when you get home.^{[2]
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3
Know how to organize and deal with lockers. Make sure you know you locker combination! You don't want to be late for class and risk detention!^{[3]
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4
Ride a school bus. It is a great way to make new friends!^{[4]
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- It's usually rather difficult to do homework when the bus is bouncing up and down and there are people being annoying. If you do homework on the bus, sit in the front because it's a less bumpy ride.
- Find some friends or make some new friends who ride the bus. It will make your trip to school more enjoyable.
5
Know your teachers. The school's good or bad reputation does not define what the teachers will be like. Every teacher is different, and you should just adjust to the way the class is (e.g. if your science teacher does not like interruption, practice on being quiet in science class).^{[5]
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- Not all teachers are "evil" and "out to get you". Usually teachers have better things to do than torture little kids and fail them all. That is usually all myths. Remember, teachers want you to do well! They don't want to sit in a classroom all afternoon after the final bell rings grading some tests with all F's.
6
Focus in all of your classes, but don't become a zombie. Have fun in class with people you know, but make sure that your teacher does not get annoyed with you. Be quiet when your teacher is talking, and definitely be respectful.^{[6]
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- Some teachers are very nice, and some are not so nice. To find out who they are, talk to older students, and find out how to do good in the class.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions! It shows the teacher that you are paying attention and you're interested in the subject. The teacher also might like you better.
7
Get good grades. Along with focusing in class and completing all of your homework, grades should also be one of your areas of focus. Strive to do your best and be happy with the grade you achieve. The study habits you develop now will carry through to high school and college/university.
- When taking notes, think about what the teacher considers important, because that stuff will most likely end up on a test.
8
Be healthy. Make sure you wash your hands, brush your teeth, wash your face, and take baths or showers regularly.
9
Make friends! Find people who are nice to you and seem like great people. Sometimes, you won't really be friends with anyone in your classes, and all of the people you're friends with are in other classes. That's okay; maybe they will be in your class next year.
- Ask your parents if you can let some of your friends sleep over sometimes, or if you can meet them for lunch somewhere.
10
Know your crushes. There will be way more boys and girls than who was in your elementary school. However, you need to remember that school is the most important thing in your life right now.^{[7]
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- If you do find that special boy or girl, make sure he/she doesn't interfere with your schoolwork. Most of the time, middle school relationships don't work out. Save your love life for high school. Middle school is not for dating. You're tweens, but dating isn't really that important. Just have fun!
11
Choose a seat at lunch, and choose your lunches wisely. You'll probably have more selection now that you are in a bigger school.
- Make sure you have your lunch money, as well as money for sodas and snacks.
- Plan a spot where you and your friends will sit together. At some schools, there is assigned seating. However, as annoying as it sounds, this is a place to make friends and talk freely.
  - Sit next to different people. This way, you might be surprised as to what comes up in conversation. You might even meet new people!
12
Know that there will be bullies. Try to avoid them and not get involved with fights. Learn some techniques for dealing with them.^{[8]
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StopBullying.gov
Website run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services providing information related to identifying and preventing bullying
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Warnings

Some people think that they are "all that" and are better than you. Do not listen to them. They are probably just jealous of you, but don't let that get to your head. Don't think you have to listen and be like them to be likable. Real friends should like you for who you are.

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Some people are scared that they will not be "popular". Popularity seems important, but once you reach the "real world", no one will care if you were popular or not. Your work ethic and personality are what counts.
- Stick with friends if you're afraid of popularity.
- Always be you! Not all people in middle school are horrible. Be open minded
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