As students in Finland prepare to transition to upper secondary school, surveys and anecdotal evidence reveal the importance of friendships for youth. Kuopio resident Salome Sasaki, a sixth grader, stressed her hope of making at least one friend in her new class, highlighting the strong link between social connections and the school experience for adolescents.

However, there is a lack of a standardized approach across Finnish schools regarding how they consider students' requests and preferences for class assignments. In Kuopio, for instance, practices can differ considerably even within the same city. While some schools, like Kettula, do not solicit students' preferences, others do ask incoming seventh graders whom they'd like to sit with, which can significantly impact their adjustment and comfort in a new environment.

The disparity has prompted discussions among parents and educators about best practices in supporting students during this transition. Understanding and addressing the social needs of young adolescents could lead to smoother integrations into upper secondary education and foster better emotional wellbeing, making it crucial that educational policies take these considerations into account.