So, you’re in a new environment with new people, and you don’t know what to expect. Chances are, you have countless concerns about it. I know I did. 

Let’s be real. High school isn’t nearly as scary as the movies make it seem. Here are some of your biggest fears debunked.

• “Upperclassmen are going to be mean to me.”

No, they won’t. It’s likely that most upperclassmen won’t even know that you’re a freshman, and if they do, they usually don’t care. They might tease you about being the youngest, but they’re not going to stuff you into a locker or anything.

• “I’m going to get lost.”

Honestly, you might. However, it’s not as likely as you think. Sure, we’ve got a pretty big school, but it’s not that difficult to navigate. All you need to know is that rooms starting with a three are on the top floor, rooms starting with a two are on the middle floor, and rooms starting with a one are on the bottom floor. If you still have trouble, there are people in the counseling office that will be happy to help you.

• “I’m going to forget my schedule.”

Yeah, you probably will. Keep it on you for a while. Try screenshotting your schedule and making it your phone’s screensaver. You’ll memorize it sooner than you think.

• “I’m going to have hours of homework every night.”

Most teachers don’t assign homework. It’s likely that the only time you’ll have to do any work at home is if you don’t finish an assignment during class. Honors courses come with a heavy workload. Keep that in mind when choosing your classes.

• “I’m going to be peer pressured.”

I have experienced more peer pressure to watch Euphoria than I have to actually do drugs. Remember that “no” is a full sentence. “No, thanks” if you want to be polite. Hang out with people who share your values, and respect your boundaries.

• “I’m not going to make any friends.”

I get it. It can be terrifying not to have familiar faces in all of your classes. The best thing that you can do is talk to everyone. Talk to your partners in group projects. Talk to the people who sit next to you in class (not while your teacher is talking). Join organizations that you enjoy and talk to like-minded people. Don’t get involved in any drama. Seriously. Just be nice to people. That can go a long way.

By the end of your first semester of high school, you’ll wonder what you were even worried about in the first place.