The first week of school can host a roller coaster of emotions and events. On Monday you can arrive with your freshly ironed new clothes and on Friday come in your favorite pair of sweats, reeking of “I am so over this.” The excitement of school can die out really quickly, but these tips will help keep the excitement alive and set you up to kick the rest of the year’s butt.

1. Find Friends

Easier said than done, but finding a person or group to survive the first week with makes everything a lot more bearable. Finding an equally socially awkward person takes a lot of pressure off when you have to pick groups or partners during an activity. These first week friends don’t have to hang around you like a ball and chain the whole year. Your friendship may only exist for the sole reason of survival that first week, and then slowly drift apart. That’s okay. On the other hand, the people you meet that week may end up being your best friends; that’s what happened to me.

2. Claim Your Spot

On the first day of school, it’s anyone’s game. The cafeteria is an untamed terrain scattered with empty tables waiting to be pounced on. You need to decide your spot and decide quickly. The more in your squad, the better: there is strength in numbers. But, more importantly, you will need strength and commitment. You need to be dedicated to your area. Be ready to fight off any hungry predators lingering on the edges of the boundaries. By all means, invite people to your group, but make sure your group has a secure spot to hang out in.

3. Do NOT Buy Everything On The Supplies List

Maybe teachers think their class is more important than it actually is, or maybe they’re bitter because they had to spend tons of their money on their own supplies for the class room; whatever it is, do not go and buy everything they tell you to. Basic supplies like paper and pencils are always good investments, but don’t waste your money on extravagant requests. 7 different color highlighters? A separate binder? Colored pencils in a high school English class? Chances are, half of the stuff on that list won’t be used, and the other half will be provided in a classroom set. If your teacher takes a grade for having all of the supplies, see if you can share with friends to get the points. Try to wait until you get into the swing of things, and then go purchase what you really need.

4. Pay Attention To Names

Low-key noting the names of your classmates is just respect. Try to pay attention to who’s who while attendance is going on. It’s embarrassing if you don’t know someone’s name, especially if the other person knows yours. This first week is excusable, but after that, it just seems rude.

5. Get Your School Forms In ASAP

If you don’t get homework the first week, your parents at least will. No doubt you’ll have to fill out computer usage, media release, medical information, mailing information, and other forms. Fill out all the parts you can and then hand them to your parents for their signature. This will help you avoid losing the papers and having to do a packet while the rest of your class goes on the computer or watches a G rated film.

6. Get A Locker

At my school, you have to apply to get a locker, and it’s something you should do. If your school gives already give you one, you should use it. Lockers are good for “just in case” situations. They’re great storage units for lunch, feminine hygiene products, emergency snacks, text books, scheduled snacks, extra clothing, snacks… Plus, if you have time during your day to go to it between classes, it can take a lot of weight off of your shoulders (literally).

7. Pick Out A Teacher BFF

If this sounds lame to you, you obviously have never had a teacher BFF. On the educational side, having a teacher who likes you is helpful for tutoring and letters of recommendation. In general, they can be great role models and give helpful advice that you would normally ignore if it came from your parents. You can usually tell which teachers you like and relate to the most by Friday of the first week. From then, just make sure you’re a good student, say hi when you see them, and discuss shared interests. For the rest of the year and beyond you’ll have a connection with someone in the higher ranks who will be happy to help you and make your school life just a little bit easier.

8. Be On Your Best Behavior

It’s hard to get someone to like you after you give them a bad first impression. If you misbehave during the first week of school, you’re now “that kid” that gets talked about at staff “meetings” aka low-key gossip sessions. If you’re prone to procrastination, try to procrastinate your procrastination habits until you develop a good relationship with the teacher. Talking too much, being late to class,or forgetting a homework assignment is a lot more forgivable when you have a squeaky clean reputation.

9. Join A Club/Sport

Everything seems to go Sonic the Hedgehog fast during the beginning of school. For many fall sports, if you don’t come out the first week, you won’t be able to play because the season is already in session. Clubs are a little different, but if you’re looking for a leadership position, you need to join ASAP. Many clubs or activities, like student council, only allow a certain number of students in, and spots fill up fast. Joining clubs and sports makes school about more than just a grade. Plus, they’re a convenient way to meet people who have the same interests as you.

10. Have A Positive Mindset

If you go through your first week of school hating your life, you’re probably going to hate your life the rest of the school year too. Negativity clouds your mind and blinds you from all of the awesome opportunities offered during this new season. If you are open-minded and willing to embrace the new experiences, your year will be 1000 times better than if you mope around carving “I hate school” into the desk. And remember that there will be hard times or maybe even times when you give up, but a huge part of positivity is getting up and trying again.