Walking through the front doors of Wayzata High School can feel like stepping into a small city. With its sprawling hallways, buzzing commons, and a student body of thousands, it can be intimidating for anyone, but especially for the 225 new students who joined this year. Among them are five exchange students who traveled from across the globe, ready to take on a new culture and classroom environment.

For new students, the adjustment is about more than just navigating hallways. It’s about finding friends, discovering new opportunities and figuring out how to belong in one of Minnesota’s largest high schools.

One of those students, freshman Haniya Yusuf, admitted she felt overwhelmed at first. “It’s definitely much bigger than my old school,” she said. “At first, I thought I’d get lost all the time, but once you settle down you get used to the size and know your way around.”

Despite her early nerves, Haniya found one part of transition easier than expected: making friends. “It was actually pretty easy,” she said with a smile. “People were really welcoming, and once you talk to a few classmates, it doesn’t feel so scary anymore.”

She also noticed that Wayzata offers a wider range of academic opportunities. “There are more class choices and different experiences here,” she explained. “That’s exciting because I get to try things I didn’t have at my old school.”

Basra Ahmed, another new freshman, shared a slightly different take on the transition. While she agreed that Wayzata offers a lot of opportunities, she admitted the size of the school can feel overwhelming at times. “The hallways get really crowded between classes,” Basra said. “It takes a while to figure out the fastest routes, and sometimes you feel like you’re rushing just to make it on time.”

But like Haniya, she quickly found positives. “The teachers have been super helpful, and the upperclassmen give good advice,” she added. “I’ve also joined a club already, and that’s helped me meet people who have the same interests as me.”

Basra said she came from a much smaller school, so the change has been both exciting and challenging. “I like that there are so many activities and sports to choose from,” she explained. “You can really find something that fits you here. At my old school we didn’t have nearly as many options.”

In addition to students like Haniya and Basra, Wayzata welcomed five exchange students this year. Coming from different countries they bring fresh perspectives and experiences that add to the school’s diversity. While adjusting to a new culture and school system can be challenging, their presence creates opportunities for all students to learn more about the world beyond their own classrooms.

Clubs, sports, and cultural activities often help exchange students make friends quickly, while also allowing Wayzata students to gain a better understanding of life in other parts of the world. Their contributions remind everyone that being “new” isn’t just about starting high school, sometimes it means adapting to an entirely new way of life.With 225 new students, each has their own story.

Some moved from nearby districts, while others relocated from across the country or world. Still many share similar challenges learning to manage the size of the school, finding their place socially, and taking advantage of Wayzata’s many academic and extracurricular opportunities.

Basra said the adjustment is something new students can handle if they stay open minded. “It’s about giving yourself time,” she said. “The first week feels crazy, but then you start to figure it out.”

“And once you join something like a sport or a club, you feel like you belong faster.” Haniya agreed, encouraging future new students not to be afraid of the first week. “It seems overwhelming, but it gets better fast,” she said. “Say hi to people in your classes, join a club, and before you know it, you’ll feel like you’ve been here forever.”

The arrival of new students each year also shapes the school itself. Each perspective, whether from a Minnesota freshman like Haniya or Basra, or one of the international exchange students, adds to Wayzata’s diversity and energy.

For longtime students, it’s also a chance to grow by learning about new cultures, new ideas and new friends. Every September, the halls fill with new voices that will become part of Wayzata’s story.

For Haniya, the future looks bright. She’s already making plans to join a club and explore elective classes that weren’t available at her previous school. “I’m excited for what’s next,” she said. “This is just the beginning.”

Basra echoed that optimism. “I think this school has so many chances to try new things,” she said. “It’s a little scary at first, but once you get comfortable, it’s actually really fun.”

Wayzata High School may be big, but for the hundreds of new students walking its halls this year, it’s quickly becoming home. Through welcoming classmates, new opportunities, and the courage to take that first step, students like Haniya and Basra alongside the exchange students are proving that no matter where you come from, there’s a place for you at WHS.