How to Prepare for the First Day of Middle School (Girls)

Sorting Out Clothing

Have fresh, clean sets of clothing that you like or get the uniform. You'll need different kinds of clothes or uniform pieces for different purposes: skirts, shorts, slacks, blouses, shirts, jacket/sweater, phys-ed setup, scarf/neck-tie (if any). Find out what is needed at your school's open house day. If your school doesn't have a uniform rule, then wear whatever you want as long as you stay within the dress code. Have a variety of clothing: basics, such as jeans, solid colored t-shirts, and solid jackets. That should make up about 70% of your closet. The other 30% can be weekend t-shirts, splattered/color jeans or trousers, and favorite jackets. If you're not familiar with the dress code, most of the time it's two finger spacing for tank tops, shorts can't be more than three inches above the knee, and the neckline of your shirt has to be three inches from the base of your neck. Wear something that the dress code will allow, and try to look as nice as possible. You want to make a good first impression, so dress to impress.

Try a little makeup. Lay out your make up, and other accessories that you are going to wear, if these are permitted. Try some earrings, or maybe a necklace or a scarf. Just something to make your outfit look unique and don't go overboard with the makeup. Be aware that most middle school students, especially 6th graders don't wear any makeup at all. Don't worry if you aren't allowed to wear it or simply prefer not to. Some good things to start off with are B.B. Cream (lighter version of foundation that isn't as noticeable), concealer (helps cover under eye circles), and maybe some mascara.

Getting Supplies

Buy the school supplies on your list. If you lost it, ask a friend or go to the school website. If you were not given one, check the school website. If they say you don't need anything special on the first day, then bring 2 pencils, an eraser, some paper to take notes on, and a folder to keep loose handouts in. If you want an extra confidence boost, maybe bring a small, inexpensive good luck charm, or wear your favorite nice-shirt/skirt or such.

Bring a thin folder for papers, just in case, and a reading book for any free time you have. Try to categorize the folder and place worksheets of similar subjects together. This will keep you mess-free and also make things neater for you.

Take personal needs. It's always a good idea to have some pads/tampons in your locker or backpack, just in case (whether you've had your period before or not) you might have it at school. Try placing them in a case along with other things that you might need (e.g. emergency makeup, spare raincoat, plasters etc.)

Decorate your bag. This is optional, but a cute bag will most likely spark others' attention and interest as well as boost your confidence. Use fabric markers or fabric paint and get your creative side on to make it look more unique or just simply hang a keychain and stick on some pins. However, make sure your parents are okay with this, and that you'll still be able to use it next year.

Preparing Yourself

Make sure you have good personal hygiene. Wash your face if you took a shower the night before. Brush your teeth and floss/clean out your braces (if you have them).

Get dressed. Try to choose clothes the night before. The first day of school may be stressful for you so preparing the night before helps. If you are to wear the school uniform remember to iron it and smooth it nicely to prevent creases. Try to look at the mirror before you leave, to make sure your outfit looks okay.

Brush your hair and style it. Try to do hairstyles that will keep your hair out of your face because you are going to be concentrating in school. Clip up your bangs or long fringe. Additionally, you can try pulling back your hair and braiding it for a more classy look. Here are some good back to school hairstyles: Ponytail, French/Dutch/Fishtail/Infinity braid, pigtails, half up-do, side braid or a bun.

Look presentable. Take your time on the makeup because you don't want it to look sloppy. Make sure it is even. For middle school you'll want a very natural look, so stay away from things like eyeliner, eyeshadow, and heavy blush. You'll have plenty of time for more colorful makeup looks in high school. A full face of foundation is also simply impractical for school. If you want to cover blemishes, a light concealer looks much more natural, comfortable, and appropriate. If you want, try some lip gloss, but don't wear lipstick. You will look too grown up.

Have a delicious and healthy breakfast. Try delicious and healthy foods such as waffles, pancakes, (without sugary syrup) yogurt, bagel with cream cheese, or a breakfast burrito that will keep you filled up till lunchtime. Remember, you may not have recess anymore! Avoid sugary cereals that will make you hyper and then crash halfway through the day. That way, you won't starve all day but stay energised and focused during class.

Prevent bad breath. Rinse with some mouthwash after brushing your teeth and flossing. Also, try to bring mints with you.

Make sure you have everything. You want to be prepared and totally ready. Double check to make sure everything is in your bag. Pack a large, healthy lunch, and snack if your school gives you a chance. Bring a water bottle so that you will always have water with you and don't have to leave class.

Get on the bus, find an empty seat or sit with someone you know. If you're all alone, then don't sit by the window unless you want someone sitting next to you that you don't know. If you are new at your school, then ask someone who looks friendly -- or shy and alone -- whether you can sit next to him or her. Then strike up a conversation, or if you're by yourself, plug in your iPod, iPhone or MP3 player and ignore the crowd. If you're taking public transit, make sure to remember your stops! Keep a log on your phone. If you are late to school, your first day will be ruined!

Coping with the First Day of Middle School

Be confident. Confidence is a likable trait. Having confidence will earn you a lot of friends. It also boosts your popularity. A good way to become confident is by practicing. A good way to practice is by standing in front of a mirror. Look yourself in the eyes, read out a passage that motivates you. Relax and try to gesticulate as much as you can. If you do this enough, you will start to do it around other people too. Averting your eyes and not looking directly at the person is taken as shy and definitely not confident.

Don't present yourself with a bad attitude. Always have a smile on your face. If you act-up as if you're angry, you may give yourself a bad reputation to be overcoming and undoing for weeks/months, or all year (bringing unnecessary stress on yourself).

Expect things to be different. For some, the first day of school may be a pain. Try to make it more enjoyable (or at least bearable) by waking up an hour early and getting 8 to 10 hours of sleep. In the morning, shower (if you didn't the night before.)

Enjoy your day! Do the usual class routines.

Chill out when the day is over. Check your TV guide and see when your favorite show is on, have a snack and do your homework so you can watch your show. If it's on pretty soon, have a quick snack, set your recorder to record the show -- then do your homework. After that, call or text your friends and swap first day stories! Make time to think about the day, what interested you and what could have been better. Write certain observations and develop a thought process for good and bad events in life.