Boarding school, for me, and just being away from my family is a whole new experience. Whenever one thinks of boarding school, the mind simply averts to Harry Potter and so on. However, I’m afraid to say that Harry Potter’s boarding experience is far different to us of non-magical background (we mere muggles).

There is so much to learn not just at school but about ourselves. In my case, that includes real tennis and subjects such as geography, which have a very different perspective in the UK to that of the US. It is wonderful to be in the English countryside, which has inspired so many poets and painters.

On the negative side, a new boy is a new boy, so don’t expect to be running the place in the first week. There are ALWAYS older boys or girls who think they can take an advantage over you because of their age and experience. They just don’t appreciate others in the way you would. You might be picked on because of who you are. Ignore this, but if the picking on becomes serious bullying, then don’t stand for it, tell a teacher.

Boarding school has its downs, but many, many more ups. Firstly, you learn to operate your life and to succeed you must organise yourself, and this is a fabulous help for your future, where you won’t have your parents around you constantly to aid you. Another plus in boarding school is that there will be many after-school activities, and being a Boarder means you will constantly be in the thick of the action. Also, you will bond more closely with your fellow boarders than you would being a day boy, which creates strong bonds between friends.

Though there are many upsides to boarding, there will be downsides. The worst thing about boarding school is that your parents are not there to be with you the whole way through, and at the beginning of the year you will almost certainly become homesick. This is 100% normal, and if you didn’t miss your parents I’m sure they would be quite shocked. However, you shouldn’t let this separation affect who you are, and people will not see you in the certain light. When I started boarding, my eyes would often well up with tears when I thought of my parents and I was constantly homesick. But as the weeks progressed, I got over most of my homesickness but I still miss my parents just the same.

Whether you do or not start boarding, remember what I’ve said. You cannot board for the sake of glory, and you cannot board if your choice is half-hearted. You must be certain that boarding is what you want, and you must take the opportunity of boarding school with utmost understanding. It really is a unique opportunity which will have profound effect on your life.

From Luke
Aged 11