The first day of school often brings anxiety for students of all ages. This feeling appears because of new routines, unfamiliar teachers, different classmates, or worries about fitting in. Younger children may fear separation from parents, while older students worry about social dynamics, academic demands, or bullying. Parents feel nervous too, concerned about how their child will cope. Teachers also experience tension as they meet a new group and set the tone for the year.
These emotions are normal. Most people experience some level of unease during major transitions. The good news is that anxiety usually fades within a few days or weeks as familiarity grows.
How Students Can Face First-Day Anxiety
Students handle nerves best when they prepare in advance and use simple strategies on the day itself. Students can face first-day anxiety by preparing the night before—packing their bag, laying out clothes, and reviewing their schedule—so they know exactly what to expect and feel more in control. Practicing slow, deep breathing (inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four) calms their body when nerves rise. Focusing on small positives, such as seeing old friends, meeting a new teacher, or enjoying a favorite subject, shifts attention away from worries.
Talking openly with a parent, sibling, or friend about their feelings makes the anxiety feel smaller and less overwhelming. Arriving early gives them time to locate classrooms, find their locker, and settle in without rushing. Greeting classmates or the teacher with a simple hello creates quick connections and a sense of belonging. Finally, reminding themselves that most students feel some nervousness too and that the feeling usually passes after the first hour or day helps them stay calm and confident throughout the experience.
Preparing for the First Day of School: Practical Ways to Manage Anxiety
The first day of school often creates feelings of anxiety for students. New classrooms, unfamiliar teachers, different classmates, and worries about fitting in can make anyone nervous. Younger children frequently feel scared about leaving parents, while older students worry about social situations, schoolwork, or bullying. These emotions happen to almost everyone at some point. The important thing is to recognize them and take steps to feel more comfortable.
Lets talk about some simple, effective actions that help students handle these nerves. Each step includes a real-life situation from students who used it successfully. Meanwhile, you can use this New Year Resolutions for Students in High School and College and prepare yourself for the academic year.
Prepare the night before
Pack your bag, choose your clothes, and look over your schedule. When you know exactly what to bring and where to go, the unknown parts disappear and anxiety drops. A JSS2 student in Abuja felt very nervous before his first day in a new school last term. The night before, he packed his bag, ironed his uniform, and taped his timetable to his mirror. The next morning, he walked into school without rushing and found his classroom easily. He later said this one small preparation made him feel in control instead of scared.
Practice breathing exercises
When nerves start building, take slow, deep breaths: inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four. Repeat a few times. This calms your body quickly and clears your mind. A secondary school girl in Lagos shared that she used to get stomachaches from anxiety every first day. During the summer holiday, her older sister taught her this breathing pattern. On the first day back, she sat quietly in the bus and did the exercise three times before entering the school gate. The stomach pain disappeared, and she walked into class feeling steady.
Focus on small positives
Think about positive things ahead: seeing old friends, meeting a kind teacher, or enjoying a subject you like. Directing your thoughts this way moves attention away from worries. A boy starting SS1 worried about making new friends in a big school. His mother suggested he think about reuniting with two classmates from his old school and looking forward to literature class, which he enjoyed. During the morning assembly, he spotted his friends right away, smiled, and the rest of the day felt much lighter.
Talk to someone
Share your feelings with a parent, sibling, or close friend. Speaking about worries out loud makes them feel less heavy and often brings helpful advice or comfort. A primary five girl in Enugu cried every evening the week before school because she feared the new teacher would be strict. Her father sat with her one night and asked her to tell him exactly what scared her. After talking it out, she realized most of her fear came from stories she heard, not facts. The conversation helped her sleep better and arrive at school calmer.
Arrive early
Get to school 10–15 minutes ahead of time. Use the extra minutes to find your classroom, locate your locker, and sit down without hurry. Arriving rushed adds more stress. A new transfer student in Port Harcourt always felt panicked because he arrived just as the bell rang. Last term, he woke up 20 minutes earlier and reached school with time to spare. He found his locker, used the restroom, and sat quietly in class. He told his friends that arriving early was the single biggest change that reduced his anxiety.
Greet others
Say hello to classmates or your teacher. Simple greetings create quick connections and help everyone feel more at ease. A shy SS3 student dreaded the first day because he feared no one would talk to him. He decided to smile and say “good morning” to three people as he walked in. Two of them greeted him back warmly, and one even asked him to sit nearby. That small action turned his day from lonely to friendly.
Remember it is temporary
Most students feel nervous at the start, but the feeling usually passes after the first hour or day. Remind yourself that almost everyone else shares some of the same nerves. A girl entering JSS1 kept telling herself, “This is just one day—tomorrow will feel normal.” When she felt overwhelmed during break, she repeated that thought quietly. By the end of the day, she noticed she had made two new friends and the nerves had already become much smaller.
These steps work because they give you control over the things you can change and remind you that the difficult feelings will not last. Students who use them regularly find the first day becomes much easier. Take one step at a time, and you will start the school year feeling stronger and more ready.
How Parents Support Children Through First-Day Nerves
Parents ease anxiety when they stay calm, listen actively, and offer practical help.
How Parents Can Help Children Manage First-Day Anxiety
Parents play a major role in making the first day of school feel safe and manageable for their children. When parents stay calm, listen carefully, and take small supportive actions, children often settle much faster. Here are practical steps every parent can use, explained with real-life examples from families who applied them successfully.
Listen without judgment
Ask open questions such as “What part of the day worries you most?” or “What are you thinking about for tomorrow?” Listen fully without interrupting or giving quick solutions. Acknowledge the feelings with simple words like “It is normal to feel nervous” or “Many children feel the same way.” This shows your child that their emotions are valid and accepted. A mother in Port Harcourt noticed her JSS1 son became very quiet the week before school. Instead of telling him “You will be fine,” she sat with him after dinner and asked, “What part of the first day feels hardest?” He shared that he worried no one would talk to him. Hearing him out without judgment helped him relax. The next evening he told her he felt better just because someone listened.
Visit the school beforehand
Attend open house events, orientation days, or arrange a short tour of the building together. Walking through hallways, seeing classrooms, and locating important places like the cafeteria and restrooms makes the school feel familiar instead of strange. A father in Abuja took his primary five daughter to the school two days before resumption. They walked around the compound, found her classroom, and even met the teacher briefly. When the first day came, she walked straight to her class without hesitation. She later said knowing the place already made her feel like she had been there before.
Establish routines early
Start adjusting bedtime and wake-up time one or two weeks before school begins. A consistent sleep schedule helps the body and mind stay balanced, making it easier to handle new situations. A single mother in Enugu realized her two children woke up late during holidays. She shifted bedtime earlier by 15 minutes each night for ten days. By resumption, everyone woke up refreshed and calm. Her children arrived at school alert and ready instead of tired and cranky, which reduced morning tension significantly. Furthermore, knowing How to Manage Time for Study as a High School or College Student will help you this academic year.
Stay positive during drop-off
Keep the goodbye short and warm. Give a quick hug, say something reassuring like “I will see you after school,” and smile. Long goodbyes often make separation feel harder for the child. A father in Lagos used to hold his daughter’s hand and talk for several minutes at the gate, which made her cry more. After advice from the school counselor, he switched to a fast hug and “See you soon!” On the first day, she waved goodbye happily and walked inside. The quick, positive exit helped her transition smoothly.
Follow up gently in the evening
Ask specific, positive questions such as “What was one thing you enjoyed today?” or “Who did you sit next to?” Focus on good moments rather than pressing for every detail or asking “Were you scared?” This keeps the conversation light and encouraging. A mother in Kano asked her son broad questions like “How was school?” every day, and he usually answered “Fine.” When she changed to “What made you smile today?” he started sharing stories about a funny teacher and a new friend. This small shift turned evening talks into happy moments and helped him process the day positively.
Contact the teacher if needed
If your child struggles with separation, social worries, or other issues, reach out to the teacher early. Share your concerns calmly and ask for suggestions. Teachers often have effective strategies from years of experience. A parent in Ibadan noticed her daughter cried every morning for the first three days. She sent a short message to the class teacher explaining the situation. The teacher started greeting the girl personally at the door and gave her a small classroom job on day four. The crying stopped, and the girl began to look forward to school.
These actions work because they show children that their feelings matter and that support is available. When parents take these steps, the first day—and the entire first week—becomes much smoother for everyone. Stay patient, stay positive, and celebrate the small victories along the way. Your calm presence makes a big difference.
How Teachers Reduce Anxiety on the First Day
Teachers create a welcoming environment that helps students settle quickly.
- Greet students warmly. Stand at the door, smile, and use names when possible. This makes each child feel noticed.
- Post a clear schedule. Write the day’s plan on the board so students know what happens next.
- Lead simple introductions. Use quick activities where students share one fun fact. This builds connections early.
- Explain rules clearly. State expectations and explain why they exist. Clear guidelines reduce uncertainty.
- Watch for signs of distress. Notice quiet students or those who seem withdrawn. Offer gentle encouragement or a private check-in.
- End on a positive note. Highlight something good about the day and express excitement for the year ahead.
Conclusion
Anxiety on the first day of school affects almost everyone at some point. Students, parents, and teachers all face uncertainty during this transition. Preparation, open communication, and small positive actions help these feelings pass quickly. When people take these steps, the first day becomes a manageable start rather than a source of ongoing stress. Everyone can look forward to the year with greater confidence. You can read about the Teachers Role in A Student’s Life in the School and Community for better academic growth. You can also study the Students Guide to Disaster Management, Emergency and Preparedness in Schools as a bonus.
