Freshman year can be stressful; the start of the year entails meeting new people and adjusting to high school. Luckily, many older students have already experienced it. To help new freshmen who may feel lost, five students shared their advice on how to navigate these new beginnings.

Filip Dobrzycki

“[Freshman year] was pretty nice. My classes were all pretty interesting, and I also had time for socializing with friends outside and inside of school,” sophomore Filip Dobrzycki said. “I think the most challenging part of freshman year for me was organizing my things and just being sort of a well put-together person. Like organizing my binder, doing my homework.”

Dobryzcki shared some tips for succeeding academically. “Your grades actually sort of count in freshman year, unlike middle school, and so you do have to put in some work in order to be successful. You’re actually going to have to sort of care this year.”

Declan Leslie

As a freshman, it may seem intimidating to attend social events. However, junior Declan Leslie says socializing is part of what makes the year exciting. “I’d say if you’re a freshman, you should definitely try going [to homecoming]. Going to a dance or something would be a good idea just to get kind of the wave or to join the wave of excitement and stuff,” Leslie said.

Leslie also emphasized staying open to making new friends. “Sometimes, you’ll meet new friends [through] your friends that you still talk to. They make new friends, and then you get connected through that way,” Leslie said.

Irayeli Borgo

For junior Irayeli Borgo, freshman year was somewhat challenging. “I could have done a lot better if I actually did my work. I did not. I think that is something I would recommend,” Borgo said.

Borgo highlighted the importance of being productive and finding efficient study methods. “Get your stuff done. Do your work. Not every study method is going to work well for you. Everyone has their unique quirks and all, so find something that works for you,” she said.

Ela Melendrez

Freshman year can be daunting, but for sophomore Ela Melendrez, making friends was easier than expected. “I feel like in each of your classes, there’ll be at least someone you’re able to talk to or become friends with,” Melendrez said.

Her advice is to be outgoing, start conversations, and never to be scared to ask for help. “I feel like you should just ask people. I don’t think [anyone will] be like ‘Oh just leave me alone.’”

Joshua Bertozzi

Senior Josh Bertozzi encouraged freshmen to be diligent about homework. “I would say always do your homework whenever you can. Try to get your easy points that you’re guaranteed to get, so that you have room to maybe not do so good on a really hard test, which you should still obviously study for,” he said.

Overall, Bertozzi stressed the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone. “I think it’s a little bit scary to go to a new environment, but once you settle in and you get to know some people, it’s really a good environment.”

Many freshmen have similar experiences: being intimidated by the upperclassmen, getting lost on the way to class, and struggling to meet deadlines. Students who have experienced the transition advise freshmen to try their hardest, reach out, make connections, and stay on top of assignments to have a successful first year.