Are you changing schools this year? Moving to a new school can be pretty nerve-wracking, albeit also thrilling with equal measure. Admit it – it is kind of scary! Even if you are cool, uncertainty is your worst nightmare.

Whether it is a big or small school, people will always notice you and the weight of their stare can be overwhelming. However, your first day is inevitable and must be faced! So then, how do you survive in this jungle?

First of all, let’s work on your attitude: new means unknown, not a scarecrow. A fair share of anxiety is allowed but honestly, there is no need to be terrified. These are just students and teachers like the ones in your previous school; the difference is in the word ‘new’. The way I see it, you can be stressed out and scared off your wits, or you can take this as a fresh start and get excited for what the future holds. There will always be a first time for everything.

One important thing to do is self-orientation. Get to know the school before school starts. Do this through the internet, ask someone who has been there or take a school tour. You won’t fit in if you don’t know the school.

Figure out where the principal’s office is and how to get to the library or the places of convenience.

For the first day at your school, make a good impression by being nice to everyone even when they seem weird.

This is not to say you should make them your friend. Tread slowly but carefully because you do not know people yet. Speaking of making friends, if you realise there is one hated by everyone, it is advised not to become best friends with them unless you really want to. Make sure you know a person well enough before deeming them your friend.

Be neat and organised. Iron up your new uniform (if you are wearing one) and do your hair properly. If it is casual wear, settle for something moderate. You do not want to draw too much attention to yourself by being overdressed or the opposite there of.

The don’ts of the jungle

Going late on your first day will only make you more visible and obviously new. If you enter late for a class, you give people a chance at "optical nutrition”. They will look and talk. If report to the cafeteria late, you attract more attention to yourself yet this is the last thing you want to do.

When you talk to students of the opposite sex, flirting should be out of question. You do not want to acquire the Hall-of-Fame titles: slut, Romeo, philanderer or whatever other mean terms the drama queen decides to dub you with. Your intentions may be good but you don’t know anyone yet. So, take time to assess - look things over and figure out who is who.

If it is a boarding school, avoid cafeteria stress the first day. Pack your lunch to avoid the long queue and the uncertainty of where you will sit while taking it. Once you sit at the lunch table, display confidence and enjoy your meal - you are not a reject; you are just new.

Don’t be too gullible- people will sometimes push your buttons to test your limits. Naturally, other kids may want to pick on you and make you the subject of their ridicule. While you don’t want to be a complete kiss-up, kids like people who cooperate with them. If they ask you a favor, do it if you can; otherwise say no reasonably with a big smile and confidence.

Try as much as you possibly can not to be somebody else. This may sound ironical since I have just advised you to be reasonably nice (not to pretend to be nice) even when naturally you can never be. What I mean here is: be consistently level-headed inside and out. Never forget that while you might be trying to fit in, you should not be anybody else but yourself.

Being uprooted during teen age can feel unfair and certainly tough. However, it is also a chance to reinvent yourself, expand your network of friends and to enjoy new experiences. With some thought and effort you can make it work. The good news is, new does not last!

The writer is a lecturer at The Adventist University of Central Africa