What to Expect and How To Prepare For Freshman Year Of High School?

Melissa Maria
Apr 29, 2022
High School

The transition from middleschool to high school can make students feel nervous, some may even have fears or performance pressure, as high school is the crucial year.

If you know what to expect, know detailed information and prepare for the same then it can be a smooth and enjoyable journey.

What To Expect From Japan High School?

Japan high school classrooms are diverse in nature with students and teachers from different communities and backgrounds or even from different countries. These schools offer a lot of academic projects, and extracurricular opportunities.

It is definitely rewarding with many growth opportunities for students, but only if they have selected the best school and are sorted with the right goals and right preparations.

Preparations Tips For Students For Freshman Year Of High School

Here are some tips for such students to help them enter high school, excited and prepared but not overwhelmed.

1. Know Where Your Classrooms Are Situated

Students on their first day in an international school in Japan will definitely be a little nervous but know your classrooms in advance so that you do not land up in the wrong classroom and miss some classes.

Reach half an hour early so that you could figure out the right class, meet other students and become friends with them.

Most of the time transitioning from a small school to a big school can be overwhelming with such a huge campus and so many students but you can always confirm where your grade class is from other students or directly ask the enquiry office in the school.

If you find it difficult to reach the school classroom, keep a landmark in mind so it becomes easy for you in earlier days to figure out the best and easiest route to reach.

2. Networking

Being freshmen, you will hardly know anyone so it is advisable to reach much early on the first day so that you can make friends and network which will help you to be at ease on your first day.

Networking will be beneficial to you in your high school and in the future. Making friends from the same class will help you to borrow notes in case you are absent on some days plus you can have study groups or socialise.

3. Be Ready With High School Supplies

Be ready with all the necessary school supplies in advance and keep them in an organised manner for each class so that you do not keep searching for them when in need.

Most schools provide students with a list of things they need to get ready. If you have not received or are unaware, you can always ask counsellors. Do not carry unnecessary things as it will just clutter your supplies.

4. Get Enough Sleep

This is necessary as some students do not get sleep the day before the first day of high school and the reasons can be many.

Find the reason that is bothering you, ask questions and provide a better answer to yourself, not just for the sake of it but to motivate and calm yourself.

When you get the right answer and you have no worries, then you will sleep automatically which in return will help you to get up fresh the next day and be in a good mood to concentrate well and be engaged.

Make sure you do not have a late-night the earlier day. In high school, you should get up early and sleep early so that you get enough time to finish all the necessary school activities, study, homework, and projects on time and the rest of the time you can do what your interest lies in.

Good sleep is necessary to have a healthy body and mind which will have a positive impact on your performance.

5. Manage Your Time Wisely

One of the traits of a successful student and individual is to understand the importance of time management and the ability to manage their time wisely. The high school will have a lot of workload such as schoolwork, extracurriculars, projects, social life, pursuing a passion, etc.

So in order to live your life to the fullest and balance, all the activities students must know the art of managing time properly and effectively. Being well-organised will save you a lot of time and will help you to stay ahead and set aside time for your favourite things or have quality time with friends and family.

Know what your goal in high school is and prioritise things in order to have clarity. Do not get involved in too many extracurriculars unless it is important.

6. Have A Plan

In order to be on track in high school, students must prepare a plan for each semester so that they can move in the right direction. Without having goals you might get distracted.

Figure out which subjects interest you, or decide on the ones you are already good at and think if you want to specialise in them. The top institutions or universities you are looking for in future and their criteria.

Knowing all this in advance will help you to figure out things at the right time and map out your ideal classes for each semester.

Also Read 10 Productive Activities For High School Students During Summer Break

7. Do Not Compare

It's natural that you would get overwhelmed with so many students and the competition you will face in high school, especially in freshmen year. But remember that comparing yourself with others will only make it worse.

Make sure you focus on what matters to you and your goals and keep working on the same and give your best.

Instead, in an international school in Japan, find friends that inspire or motivate you to do your best.  You can also enquire about the student groups if any so that you keep learning from them.

8. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions

Do not be shy to ask queries if you fail to understand some things. Make yourself comfortable asking queries to other students or teachers.

Clear your doubts at the right time as it will help you to learn and understand better. Asking questions is a sign of student interest, engagement, and eagerness to understand more.

9. Take The Help Of Teachers

Teachers can be your biggest resource and guide whom you can rely on and trust.

So in case you have any queries regarding high school activities, courses, work materials, etc, you can ask them and you will definitely get good guidance. 

Seeking out and following teachers’ advice will be beneficial to you so maintain a good relationship with them throughout your school year and also later in life.

10. Know Your Counselor

After teachers, they will guide you to the best so maintain a good relationship with them. They can guide you on overall things even your future college application journey.

If you have any queries regarding course schedules, extracurriculars activities and other activities or opportunities, enquire with them.

Conclusion

Entering Japan high school as a freshman is one of the most exciting times. In high school, you will have different experiences compared to middle school but most of them you will cherish for life.

Stay on track with your goals and make the most of the crucial year, broaden your perspective, gain knowledge and sharpen the skill sets that will help you throughout your lifetime.

These 4 years will help you grow as an adult so start your journey with a positive attitude and give your best for the rewards you get at the end.


Category


Annual Gross family income bracket (YEN)


Value of Scholarship
(Waiver on Tuition fees)

A

Below 3,000,000

25%

B

3,000,000-4,000,000

13%

C

4,000,000-5,000,000

11%

D

5,000,000-6,000,000

6%

E

6,000,000-8,000,000

4%

F

8,000,000-10,000,000

3%

G

10,000,000-12,000,000

2%

Melissa Maria

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