What to Expect When You Move Schools (and How to Cope)

Change can be stressful 🥴

Moving schools can be a really weird and confusing experience, but it’s actually a very common one.

Sometimes you may have to move schools 'cos one of your parents had to relocate for a new job or for other financial reasons. Alternatively, maybe you’re moving from primary to high school or you just never settled in at your previous school. 

While entering an entirely new environment can be pretty damn stressful, there are some ways to cope with the change.

Here are some things to keep in mind.

Most people will be super welcoming.

There will be friendly and welcoming people.

Do your best to let go of all those stresses about being the lonely kid at the back of the class or the new person that people make fun of.

In general, most other students will be excited to get to know you and support you. After all, they're probably looking for another friend too!

You may not be the only newbie.

There could possibly be another new person in the same position as you. #newbiebesties

Getting to know the other new kids at your school is a great way to make friends and bond over your shared experience.

This can help take away a lot of those isolated feelings and help you start expressing your personality to your other classmates.

It doesn't mean goodbye to all your old mates.

One of the worst things about moving schools is saying goodbye to all your old school friends and classmates.

What’s good to know is that just because you’re studying somewhere different, it doesn’t mean you have to lose contact with your closest friends.

Thanks to social media, public transport or your parents, you can catch up with your old mates in the evenings, on the weekends and during the holidays.

This isn't goodbye, more like see you soon!

Your new school may be stricter or more relaxed than your previous one.

A new school will mean new or different rules. Plus, if you’re moving from public to private or vice versa, you may notice some big changes to dress codes, expectations and general rules.

Some schools may require you to wear a full head to toe formal uniform, while others may just ask you to wear a school shirt displaying their emblem.

Rules around phones, music, talking in class, lunch and detention could also look a little different, so ask a teacher what the common rules are and do your best not to break them.

There’s no need to be nervous.

It's super normal to feel anxious about moving schools.

However, once you start, things will begin to get a lot easier over time. 

Consider what an awesome opportunity this is to expand on your learning and friendships.

If you are struggling to settle into your new school, or you just can’t shake off the stress, consider talking to a friend, trusted adult or the school counsellor to help you adjust.

You've got this!

A previous version of this article was published on Jan 8, 2021.