It’s a new year, which doesn’t just mean new rules and teachers, but also a new set of “fresh meat.”

Although it was only last school year, freshman year went by so fast to me, and feels like it was forever ago. My brother, who didn’t attend Niles West, but was a junior, gave me minimal advice such as “stay in the right side of the hallway” and “make sure your bag doesn’t weigh more than you.”

I’m here to give you advice that might be a little more beneficial to freshman year.

 1.) Study, study, study!

You probably hear this all the time, but make sure you study for all your tests and quizzes when they’re assigned. Also try to take notes so the night before the test you can just look over your notes. After every paragraph you read, try to mentally remind yourself of at least 3 important things. Lastly, don’t say you’ll study later, because later turns into staying up till 3 am the day before the test.

 2.) Be open to new things!

Never be too afraid to join a club or sport. Clubs and sports are a great way to have fun outside of class, and a great way to meet new people that might not be in your class. At Niles West we have about 92 clubs and activities, and there has to be at least one you’re interested in.

 3.) Don’t give up!

8 hours a day. Yes its a whole lot, but it doesn’t end there. Then you’re probably in at least one extracurricular, and then you have hours upon hours of homework. And this is going on everyday 5 times a week. You probably feels like it gets worse, but it pays off at the end.

 4.) “Colleges don’t look at your freshman year grades”

Probably one of the biggest lies you’ll hear in high school is that colleges don’t look at your freshman year grades. Depending on what college you want to go to, they may or may not look at your freshman year too closely–but that doesn’t mean you can flunk all your classes! Remember: you have a GPA which adds up at the end of high school.

 5.) Don’t forget to be yourself!

You hear this all the time no matter where you are but it’s really important that you be yourself so you can make good friends and stay happy. Don’t ever pressure yourself or get pressured into something you don’t want to do. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Most of all have a great time, and enjoy yourself for the next 4 years!