You’ve gotten off the train, unloaded your books, had a few classes… and the year is going the same way last year was. Did the days last year seem to drag on and on? No spice or interest? This doesn’t have to happen this year! Or, for you first years, do you want to get started in the right direction? Pull up a comfy chair (I'd suggest one by the fire), because that all is about to change! By implementing these tips, you too will be making the most memorable year you can manage here at Hogwarts!

Tip #10: Start each day with a smile.

~Although school can be stressful, approaching each day with a positive attitude can work wonders! Plus, you can improve the mood of those around you.

Tip #9: Show some House Spirit.

~ All the houses here at Hogwarts are awesome… so support them! Help out your house friends and classmates, and wear your house colors in your favorite style.

Tip #8: Get involved.

~Raise your hand in class, do the homework with some added flavor… or if academics aren’t your thing, try a school club or a regular get together with friends.

Tip #7: Fresh air is good… very good.

~Even if you are a Ravenclaw, you shouldn’t sit inside and read all day (not that this isn’t a fun activity, of course). Venture to the grounds! There is a lovely little lake, and quite a few other peaceful spots. Er… you might want to avoid the Whomping Willow though… yeah.

Tip # 6: Show up to class… and show up on TIME!

~You can’t get the most out of your classes if you are always popping in late or missing tons of class. Not only will refraining from being late keep your house points safe, you will learn more!

Tip #5: Be friendly.

~Yes my friends, it is the Golden Rule. But… it really does work! *shock gasp* If you are nice to other people, most people will be nice back to you... this means having people to help you out of holes.

Tip #4: Do your homework… don’t procrastinate.

~I’m being rather hypocritical here, as I’m a procrastinator myself, but getting your work done means more time for fun! Since you can’t just skip homework, get it over with…or else those essays will all land on you on one day… and you, sadly, will not be able to do Tip #7.

Tip #3: Friends Rock

~Hogwarts has so many great and interesting people... get to know some of them! Now, don’t be annoying and walk around all day stalking them, but talk to some new people, particularly ones who seem like they need a buddy as well.

Tip #2: Have FUN!

~Life is what you make it, and if you simply slouch around all the time thinking “I have no friends…” then guess what? You’ll be a mopey person no one wants to be around... So keep up your spirits! Visit Hogsmeade with friends, or, on your days off, find out just want all those ghosts are up to.

The number one thing to make this school year great…

Tip # 1: Be Proud of who YOU are!

~ Whether you’ve been dying to be the top wizard in the world since the day you were born or have just found out about the magical world a few months ago, you are still a very important person! Don’t let anyone put you down, and don’t go into the whole self-pity thing! Life is full of challenges… so meet them, with the best you can be!

Now that you’ve read this list, put it into action. Try these out… they are tried and tested… and the results are great!