Settling In – Finding Your Feet in Year 7
So, you’ve been at your new school for about a month now. You’ve found your classrooms (mostly!), met loads of new people, and started to get used to the timetable and teachers. That first month of secondary school is a lot — and if you’re feeling a mix of excitement, nerves, and tiredness, that’s completely normal.
The truth is, everyone finds those first few weeks a bit wobbly. You’re learning how everything works, meeting new people, and adjusting to big changes all at once. But here’s the good news: you’ve already done one of the hardest parts – starting!
Now that you’ve got a few weeks under your belt, here are some tips to help you keep settling in, build good habits, and feel more confident as you go.
1. Celebrate how far you’ve come
Think back to your very first day – did you know where anything was? Did you have any idea what to expect? Look at you now! You’ve already learned so much, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
Getting through that first month is a big achievement. Celebrate the small wins – like remembering your timetable, joining in a lesson, or talking to someone new. They all add up.
2. Keep talking
Starting secondary school can bring up all sorts of feelings – excitement, nerves, even a bit of overwhelm. That’s okay. The best thing you can do is talk about it. If you’re finding something difficult, like homework or making friends, speak to someone you trust. That might be a teacher, your form tutor, a parent or carer, or a friend. You don’t need to handle everything on your own – and asking for help shows strength, not weakness.
3. Find your routine
When things feel new or busy, a routine can make a huge difference. Try getting your bag and uniform ready the night before, double check your timetable, and make sure you’ve got a bit of time in the morning to eat, breathe, and get ready for the day.
After school, see if you can set aside a regular time for homework and a bit of downtime. Routines don’t have to be strict – they just help things feel a bit calmer and easier to manage.
4. Be kind (to others and to yourself)
It’s easy to think everyone else has it all figured out, but the truth is: most people are still working it out too. A smile in the corridor or saying hello to someone new can make a big difference to their day – and yours. And when things don’t go perfectly (because no one gets it right all the time), try to speak to yourself like you would a friend. You’re learning. You’re growing. You’re doing your best – and that’s enough.
5. Try new things
Clubs, activities, sports, art, drama, music, debating – there’s so much waiting for you to explore. You don’t have to be amazing at something to give it a go! Trying new things helps you meet people who share your interests and can help you feel more at home at school. Sometimes, the things that feel a bit scary at first end up becoming your favourite part of the week.
6. Build small habits that make life easier
Little things can make a big difference. Writing down homework as soon as it’s set, keeping a water bottle nearby, or taking a few deep breaths before a big lesson can all help you feel calmer and more in control. You could even create a small “after-school routine” , maybe have a snack, take a break, and then do homework before relaxing. The more you practise these habits, the easier they become.
7. Remember: everyone feels nervous sometimes
Even older students and teachers have moments when they feel unsure. Feeling a bit nervous or out of place doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong – it means you’re human.
The more time you spend at school, the more familiar everything will feel. Give yourself time to settle. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now.
One month in – and you’re doing brilliantly
You’ve already learned, adapted, and grown so much in just a few weeks. As you keep going, remember to take things one day at a time, look after yourself, and ask for help when you need it.
Starting something new is never easy – but you’re proving every day that you can handle it.
