Lyra,
This is my first year at Hogwarts. There are alot of things I don’t know and don’t understand about the school. Like for instance, wand selection, how do I know how to choose a wand? Is there anything special I’m supposed to do to find out which one is right for me? Another thing, what if I’m in a dorm with older students who don’t like first years? I don’t know very many people here, and am having a hard time making friends. Is there any certain areas that first years hang out? Every place I’ve gone to seems to be filled with older students. Any help is appreciated.
Lost and Lonely
Lost and Lonely,
Don’t panic, everyone has trouble in the beginning of their first year. We have a New Kids at Hogwarts program you can sign up for and you’ll be assigned a ‘helper’. Your helper will show you around the school and help you get situated. Your helper will also help you make sure you have everything you need for your classes. Now, about your wand, the wand chooses the wizard. There isn’t anything special you need to do. Relax, it isn’t as hard as it may seem. With that said, I’ll move on to your other concerns.
If you’re placed in a dorm with older students who dislike first years, and are giving you a hard time, you should take the matter to your Head of House. She should be able to resolve the problem, if there is one. You could try to talk to your dorm mates, to see if you can resolve the issue yourself before contacting your HoH. One of your house Prefects may be able to help as well.
First of all, it is hard for many to make friends, regardless of what year you are. You can start in your House Common Room. There are surely other students having the same problem. There are no set areas saying only first years and so on can hang out. Get to know some of your class mates, that’s another good place to start. Join a club or two, and get to know a few more people. All in all, before your first term is over, you may find yourself with a nice group of friends.
Lyra
Lyra,
I have a question dealing with House Points and Clubs. I want to earn as many house points as I can, but I would also like to join a few clubs. Do you earn house points for activities in all clubs, or is it just certain clubs that hand out points? Also, I was told we can submit poems and such to the library and earn house points, how does that work?
Just Wondering
Just Wondering,
Earning points is always a good thing to do to help your House in the running for the House Cup. Joining a club or two, is also a great way to get more involved in the school and meet people. I’m not sure if all clubs give out points for things, but there are many clubs that sponsor challenges and/or have certain things going on that you can take part in, and earn some points. You can also enter the contests in the library, participate in classes, and take part in House activities. Things like that all earn house points. As for submitting entries to the Library, you will find a list of acceptable items for submissions, along with a complete guideline in the Main Office Library. House Points are given for acceptable entries, and is an ideal way to earn House Points.
Lyra
Lyra,
I have a question about relationships. I’m a first year, and several of my friends, who are first years too, are already dating. Is it wrong for me to think they should wait until they are older for that kind of thing? I think it might just be the way I was raised, but I don’t think they should be rushing into these things.
Young in age, Old in ethics
Young in age, Old in ethics,
Your concern is one that many people have been having lately. No, it isn’t wrong for you to think they should wait until they’re older. First years are generally 11-12 years old, which really is too young to be dating. It could be that you feel this strongly because of the way you were raised, but there’s nothing wrong with being raised with those kind of values. Your friends should not be rushing into relationships. They should wait until they’re older, and more mature before jumping into the dating game.
Lyra
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