Welcome to Middlesex

Mia Koopersmith
Sep 18
3 min read

A guide for new students

Each fall, curious, eager, and excited students join the Middlesex community. Between the required athletic duties, difficult classes, and overall boarding school atmosphere, the adjustment can feel overwhelming. To help make this transition smoother, we reached out to multiple returning students and faculty for their best advice to settle in and find your promise.

Academics:

Do not procrastinate. It is best to stay on top of things —Blake Hardy ’27

Use your teachers and go to extra help. The math center is a great resource, and your teachers genuinely want to help you —Elliot Koopersmith ‘27

Create a system to battle procrastination by not using phones during breaks and instead doing things like reorganizing your room, reading, or watching movies —Kente Besiimire ‘28

TIP: Plan ahead and use your planner - it's a lifesaver.

Athletics and Afternoon Activities:

procrastination can impact afternoon activities such as sports, theatre, or chorus as you continue to worry about the workload —Ellie Sheehan ‘28

Athletics is a great way to get active, make friends, feel better, and do better in other aspects of your life. So I recommend that everyone put their best foot forward with athletics whether varsity, JV, or thirds because it really is fulfilling —Nadia Abdinoor ‘27

TIP: You don’t need to be a star athlete to stay active. Even with required sports for freshmen and sophomores, the gym is always an option.

Social Life:

Meeting new people outside of your dorm by going to stu-fac and socializing, joining many clubs that suit your interests, and going to school dances —Emma McMullin ‘28

Faculty, dorm parents, and teachers are excited to get to know you, so don’t hesitate to get to know them even now. Have conversations in the dorm, chat with your teachers after class, and ask your coaches questions —Emily Teevens

TIP: Most importantly, be yourself. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Prop open your door, invite a friend to study, talk to someone new.

Mental Health:

Middlesex is a lot different than whatever middle school you came from. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and remember that if something doesn’t go the way you were hoping or expecting, you can’t let that define who you are as a student or athlete, because no one ever actually knows what they’re doing. Some people are just good at pretending they do —Maisie Wands ’28

Being honest with yourself is the most important thing. Prioritizing your own wellbeing starts with knowing when you're genuinely overwhelmed. Spend time off of your phone, recharge mentally by talking to family, friends, or simply being by yourself. You have worth outside of your achievements or pitfalls at school ——Kente Besiimire ‘28

TIP: It’s okay to not be okay. Teachers are understanding, and you should prioritize you. So if you need that extension, ask for that extension.

Quick List: Five Fast Tips