Your first day of high school is going to be both exciting and a bit scary. It can be confusing and you may be wondering what to do and what not to do on your first day of high school.
I remember feeling that way when I first started high school, which wasn’t that long ago. As a recent college graduate, I’ve learned a lot about how to be prepared and make a first day of school go well.
What Not to Do on Your First day of High School
On the first day of high school, don’t arrive late or disrupt the class. Be prepared to work and show up with school supplies. Don’t skip the first day of school, as it’s a good way to make friends and get acclimated to high school. Don’t forget your backpack!
In this post, I share 17 things that you should not do on your first day of high school.
17 Things to Avoid on Your First Day of High School
1. Be Sure Not to Arrive Late
On you first day of class, the last thing you want to do is arrive late. Arriving late will make a bad first impression on the teacher.
Get in the habit of showing up to class a few minutes early so you can get a good seat and avoid being late.
2. Don’t Disrupt the Class
On the first day of high school especially, make sure you do not disturb the class. If you’re excited because you’re sitting next to your friend, do your best to talk after class instead of during class.
If you disrupt the class, the teacher may call you out in front of the whole class and it can be embarrassing. It’s better to be respectful especially on your first day of class.
3. Don’t Come Without Materials
Most teachers in high school won’t be teaching on the first day, but there is always that one teacher that does. Be ready to learn and prepare yourself for class.
Some thing you should bring to class are:
- Agenda
- Binders
- Folders
- Textbook (if needed)
- Laptop/iPad
- Pencil case
If you’re not sure what to put in your pencil case, I recommend:
- Pencils
- Eraser
- Pencil Sharpener
- Pens
- Highlighters
If you’re not sure what to pack in your backpack check out this article: Backpack Essentials for High School
4. Don’t Sit in the back of the class
As someone who used to sit in the back of the class in high school and regrets it, I have some advice. Just don’t do it. You’re more likely to be distracted sitting in the back.
If you sit towards the front, it will be easier to pay attention. Your teacher will notice you and if you have bad eyesight you will be able to see a lot better.
5. Avoid Falling Asleep During Class
If you didn’t get a good night’s sleep because you were nervous for your first day of high school, make sure not fall asleep in class. It may be hard to stay up, but do your best to stay awake throughout the whole day.
It’s a good idea to get into the habit of going to bed at a reasonable time to avoid this from happening. It will be much easier to learn if you are well rested.
A really good tip is to go to sleep earlier the week before school, so when school starts it won’t be hard to go to bed at a reasonable time.
6. Don’t Forget to Bring Lunch
On the first day of school the cafeteria will be packed. It will take you a super long time to get your lunch, so it’s better to bring one from home.
I would pack a lunch, a few snacks that you can munch on throughout the day and a refillable water bottle. The water bottle will come in handy when you get thirsty in class.
7. Don’t Forget to Prepare Your Clothes the Day Before
The first day of high school will be hectic. Do your best to prepare as much as you can before hand to make your first day as easy as possible.
A great way to start your first day is to prepare your clothes the day before. If you have a school uniform, make sure it is clean and read to put on.
If your high school doesn’t have a dress code, have your outfit picked out and ready for the morning. Make sure your clothes aren’t offensive or harmful to other students and teachers.
8. Don’t Overdress
For the first day of high school avoid overdressing. For high school as long, as there’s not dress code, you can dress super causally.
If you are not sure how to dress for high school check out this article: What to Wear on Your First Day of High School
9. Avoid Being Unorganized
The first week of high school is the best time to create good habits. If you begin by procrastinating, you will always be behind on work and stressed out. Get in the habit of staying on top of your assignments and use your agenda to stay organized.
Staying organized will result in better grades. Write down important test, assignment and exam dates in your agenda right away. If you hand in assignments on time and study for tests you will do great.
10. Don’t Forget your Class Schedule
When you get to high school, you will receive a schedule of classes. A good trick is to take a picture of your schedule and either save it to favorites or make it your lock screen on your phone.
By doing this trick, you will always know where you have to be and when.
11. Don’t Judge too Quickly
In high school, there are going to be plenty of new students that come from different schools. On the first day, don’t judge anyone too quickly because they may end up becoming your best friend.
On my first day of high school, there was a guy in my art class who I never thought would be my friend. 9 years later we made it through high school and college together, and were still best friends today.
12. Don’t Skip Class
I know it’s the first day and you may be under the impression that you aren’t going to learn anything, so why not skip class? it’s really a bad idea and not a good start to your high school life.
The first day is a great day to meet new people and get used to high school. Skipping class can turn into a very bad habit, so do you best to go to every single class!
13. Don’t Forget to Set Your Alarm
If you’re just starting high school, you’re probably used to sleeping in every day during the summer holidays. However, you need to be prepared for those early days again, so don’t forget to set your alarm for your first day of high school.
Set your alarm at least 15 to 30 minutes earlier then you normally would since it’s your first day and there’s going to be a lot going on.
14. Don’t Be Shy
On the first day of high school, teachers will often times do some ice breakers. You will be asked about yourself, your interests and what school you went to before.
Don’t be shy and participate! Ice breakers are a great way to make new friends and make a good first impression on your teachers.
Remember that for every student in your class it’s their first day too. This means that they’re also in school looking to make new friends, so don’t be afraid to talk to anyone.
15. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
If you have a question, don’t be afraid to put your hand up and ask your teacher. If you are shy, you can always ask your teacher after class or quietly ask the student next to you.
On your first day of high school especially, its normal to have a lot of questions so don’t feel bad asking!
16. Don’t Forget To Introduce Yourself To Your Classmates
Introducing yourself to classmates is a good idea on the first day of high school. Although it may seem easier to stay in your comfort zone, stepping out and talking to others is a great way to build those relationships that will last you through high school.
Furthermore, making friends on the first day of school can be useful. Whether you need help with homework or just want to talk to a friend, you’ll be happy that you introduced yourself to your classmates on the first day of school.
17. Don’t Forget Your Backpack
The last thing to remember is not to forget your backpack. Forgetting your backpack will be a serious inconvenience especially on your first day.
Before leaving your house, make sure that your backpack is on your back and you’re ready for your first day!
Related Posts to Read Next:
- What to Pack in Your Backpack for High School
- What to Wear on the First Day of High School for Guys
- Style Tips for Teenage Guys that Will Level Up Your Look
- 25 Best Shoes for Teenage Guys
- Top 12 Ways to Get Your Teacher to Like You in High School
Final Thoughts on 17 Things Not to Do on Your First Day of High School
If you’re about to start high school you’re going to be as prepared as possible. In this post, we went over 17 things that you should not do on your first day of high school. With a little bit of preparation, your first day will go smoothly and lead to a successful year.
Are there any things you think shouldn’t be done on the first day of high school? Please let me know in the comments below.