Starting high school is without a doubt one of the most exciting times in anyone’s life, and for the students entering their freshman year of high school, the first year in high school is anything but ordinary. This year marks an important transition point in their lives in so many ways. The start of a new school year can be as scary as facing a giant spider with a bad haircut, but don’t fret, my friends! It’s a chance to spread your wings and fly like a majestic unicorn into a world of infinite possibilities.
Sure, you might feel like a fish out of water at first, but don’t let that hold you back! Take a deep breath, channel your inner superhero, and dive headfirst into all the new experiences that come your way. From making new friends to trying out weird and wacky extracurriculars, this is your time to shine like a disco ball at a 70s party. This school year is your oyster, and with a little bit of determination, a dash of quirkiness, and a whole lot of heart, there’s no telling what kind of pearls you’ll uncover. Now go out there and make it the best year ever!
While you may seem very nervous about starting your freshman year, you should also know that there are real advantages to being a high school freshman. There will, undoubtedly, be many difficulties you face along the way, but being a freshman is an experience you will never forget. Here, in this blog, we have tried to list a few pros and cons of being a freshman.
Pros of being a freshman
With people filling you in with the do’s and don’t’s of freshman year, hold onto your hats, folks! As we dive into the exciting world of high school, let’s explore the pros of being a fresh-faced freshman.
- You will have a wider range of activities to explore – The move to high school is met by numerous activities and extracurriculars- dance, music, sports, arts, drama, and whatnot. There is something for everyone to choose from and excel in. Freshmen may indulge in any extracurricular of their choice.
- You will make new friends – High schools are filled with clubs and organizations and most are always on the lookout for new members. They serve as a great platform to meet like-minded people and develop good friendships. And since you literally grow up with these people, many become friends for life.
- You will have the opportunity to expand your social life – Another great benefit of starting high school is you get the opportunity to network. There will always be a party, an event, or a club/organization activity, not to mention much more opportunities to just hang out with your peers and socialize.
- You will develop important life skills – With more academics, homework, assignments, and extracurriculars, freshers will have to deal with a lot of new responsibilities. The workload prepares them to be more responsible, and punctual and helps them develop good time management and organizational skills which will help them throughout life. Hence, educators can also include some activities for life skills.
- More leniency by teachers – Freshman year is mostly a year of adjustment. When it comes to your academics, extracurricular activities, and all the other things that may affect your college applications, there is unquestionably greater flexibility during your freshman year.
Cons of being a high school freshmen
If you’ve heard that “freshman year sucks,” welp, there’s a pretty decent chance those words will ring true to you despite what some people say about not believing everything you hear.
- A lot of adjustment will be involved – Since freshman usually means moving into a new social setting with a bigger campus and classroom along with a crowd of new people, it usually involves a lot of adjustment to a newer environment. The first few days may feel extremely uneasy as you try to navigate the new social setting.
- More rigorous academics – The move to high school from middle school is met by tougher academics. The first year of college is the one in which most people struggle academically. You suddenly have to take subjects like biology and chemistry- subjects you thought only existed in college.
- There will be tough competition – High schools are competitive spaces. Everyone tries to excel in studies or extracurriculars and so you will face a lot of competition. A freshman often finds it difficult to keep up in such competitive surroundings. However, cherish this time, as your senior year will be extremely different than this year.
Tips to make freshman year memorable
The first day of high school can be nerve-wracking for many students. So, today we are going to be giving out some of the best tips and advice for the freshman year of high school that will help you out throughout the year.
- Communication is the key. Do not hesitate to strike up a conversation with some of your peers in high school. This is how you develop friendships that will last through high school and make it memorable.
- While high school offers you electives, it is important to take up subjects of your interest and not give in to pressure or trends. Electives offer students the opportunity to explore and develop their passion thus making academics more fun and enjoyable.
- Instead of just drowning yourself in academics, take part in other activities the high school has to offer- drama, photography, dance, music, sports, etc. Not only will it make your freshman year more memorable, but it will also give you the opportunity to develop friendships.
- Learn to strike a balance between your social and academic lives. It is equally important to have fun and enjoy the experience while keeping up with the workload. Let yourself have fun. Spend time with your family and friends.
- Develop good relations with your teachers. Building those connections can assist students to adapt easily to a new environment and be beneficial in the long run, particularly as they begin to apply to universities.
- Be present. Some pupils have their sights set on college even before they start high school. However, remain present and enjoy your four years of high school to make it memorable.
Conclusion
The beginning of high school is an exciting time. There will undoubtedly be some difficulties as you get used to new academic and social aspects, but it will be an enjoyable experience. Keep in mind that high school is supposed to be a stepping stone to a college education, and it should rather be enjoyed. On one hand, you have the excitement of new beginnings, the chance to learn and grow, and the opportunity to make your mark.
On the other hand, you might feel like a fish out of water, overwhelmed by new responsibilities and social pressures. But fear not, my fellow adventurers! With a positive attitude, you can turn any challenge into an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. So go forth, embrace the newness of it all, and remember: life is one big adventure, and you’re the star of your own story.

Sananda Bhattacharya, Chief Editor of TheHighSchooler, is dedicated to enhancing operations and growth. With degrees in Literature and Asian Studies from Presidency University, Kolkata, she leverages her educational and innovative background to shape TheHighSchooler into a pivotal resource hub. Providing valuable insights, practical activities, and guidance on school life, graduation, scholarships, and more, Sananda’s leadership enriches the journey of high school students.
Explore a plethora of invaluable resources and insights tailored for high schoolers at TheHighSchooler, under the guidance of Sananda Bhattacharya’s expertise. You can follow her on Linkedin