======The First Year Experience at Hogwarts======
=====Introduction=====
First Years are new, typically eleven-year-old [[witches]] and [[wizards]] beginning their seven-year magical education at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]. This inaugural year is a foundational period defined by introduction to the [[wizarding world]], the [[Sorting Ceremony]], a core curriculum of magical subjects, and a unique set of rules and traditions designed to integrate them into the school. The first-year experience is marked by wonder, discovery, and the first steps into a much larger, magical community.
=====Arrival at Hogwarts=====
The journey to [[Hogwarts]] for a first year is a highly structured and traditional sequence of events, beginning long before they step foot in the castle.
  * **The Letter:** The process begins in the summer with the arrival of a [[Hogwarts acceptance letter]], delivered by [[owl post]]. This letter includes a list of required equipment and books for the term.
  * **Travel:** On September 1st, students board the [[Hogwarts Express]] from [[Platform Nine and Three-Quarters]] at [[King's Cross Station]] in London.
  * **Hogsmeade Arrival:** The train arrives at [[Hogsmeade Station]] after nightfall. First years are traditionally greeted by the [[Keeper of Keys and Grounds]] (a role held by [[Rubeus Hagrid]] during [[Harry Potter]]'s time at school).
  * **Crossing the Lake:** In a time-honoured tradition exclusive to them, first years are led to a fleet of small, enchanted boats which carry them across the [[Great Lake]] to the castle, offering a breathtaking first view of [[Hogwarts]].
  * **Reception:** Upon entering the [[Hogwarts Castle]] through the large oak front doors, the first years are met by the Deputy Headmaster/Headmistress (such as [[Professor McGonagall]]) in the [[Entrance Hall]]. They are then led into a small chamber to await the start of the welcoming feast and their sorting.
=====The Sorting Ceremony=====
The single most important event for a first year is the [[Sorting Ceremony]], which takes place in the [[Great Hall]] in front of the entire school.
  - The first years are led into the hall in a line.
  - The [[Sorting Hat]], an ancient and sentient magical artefact, is placed on a stool. It traditionally sings a new song each year, describing the qualities of the four [[Hogwarts Houses]].
  - Students are called forward in alphabetical order to have the [[Sorting Hat]] placed on their heads. The Hat probes their minds and proclaims which house they belong to: [[Gryffindor]], [[Hufflepuff]], [[Ravenclaw]], or [[Slytherin]].
  - This decision is final and determines a student's dormitory, [[common room]], classmates, and social identity for their entire time at [[Hogwarts]].
=====Academics and Curriculum=====
First-year students all follow the same core curriculum, with no choice of electives. Their required equipment and subjects are non-negotiable.
**Required Equipment:**
First years must purchase a standard set of supplies, including a [[wand]], a pewter [[cauldron]] (standard size 2), a set of brass scales, glass or crystal [[phials]], a [[telescope]], and the specific set of textbooks for their year. They are also permitted to bring an [[owl]], a [[cat]], or a [[toad]].
**Core Subjects:**
  * **[[Astronomy]]**: Taught by Professor Aurora Sinistra. Involves learning the names of stars and the movements of planets, often requiring late-night lessons at the top of the [[Astronomy Tower]].
  * **[[Charms]]**: Taught by Professor [[Filius Flitwick]]. Focuses on spells that add properties to an object or creature, such as the Levitation [[Charm]] ([[Wingardium Leviosa]]).
  * **[[Defence Against the Dark Arts]]**: Taught by a rotating series of professors, including [[Professor Quirrell]] in Harry's first year. Covers how to defend against [[Dark Magic]], [[Dark Creatures]], and curses.
  * **[[Herbology]]**: Taught by Professor [[Pomona Sprout]] in the [[Hogwarts greenhouses]]. The study of magical plants and fungi.
  * **[[History of Magic]]**: Taught by the ghost Professor [[Cuthbert Binns]]. A notoriously boring lecture-based class on the history of the [[wizarding world]].
  * **[[Potions]]**: Taught by Professor [[Severus Snape]] in the [[dungeons]]. The art of brewing magical draughts and elixirs.
  * **[[Transfiguration]]**: Taught by Professor [[Minerva McGonagall]]. The magic of changing the form and appearance of an object or person.
  * **[[Flying]] Lessons**: A required course for all first years, taught by [[Madam Hooch]] on the castle grounds. Students learn the basics of handling a [[broomstick]].
=====Restrictions and Rules=====
First years are subject to a stricter set of rules than older students.
  * They are forbidden from entering the [[Forbidden Forest]], except under special circumstances like a [[detention]].
  * They are not allowed to visit the nearby village of [[Hogsmeade]].
  * They are generally not permitted to own their own [[broomstick]]s or play on their [[House Quidditch Team]]. [[Harry Potter]]'s appointment as the [[Gryffindor]] [[Seeker]] in his first year, along with being gifted a [[Nimbus 2000]], was a highly unusual exception to this rule.
=====Notable First Year Groups=====
  * **1991-1992:** This class included [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], [[Hermione Granger]], [[Draco Malfoy]], [[Neville Longbottom]], and [[Seamus Finnigan]]. Their first year was dominated by the mystery surrounding the [[Philosopher's Stone]] and [[Lord Voldemort]]'s attempt to steal it.
  * **1992-1993:** This class included [[Ginny Weasley]], [[Colin Creevey]], and [[Luna Lovegood]]. Their year was overshadowed by the opening of the [[Chamber of Secrets]] and the attacks of the [[Basilisk]], with Ginny being possessed by the memory of [[Tom Riddle]] through his [[diary]].
  * **1994-1995:** This class included [[Dennis Creevey]], whose arrival was marked by him falling into the [[Great Lake]] and being rescued by the [[Giant Squid]]. Their year coincided with the [[Triwizard Tournament]].
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone//, the alphabetical order for the [[Sorting Ceremony]] is not followed. For instance, [[Hermione Granger]] is sorted well before her turn, which should have been after [[Daphne Greengrass]] and before [[Tracey Davis]]. (film)
  * The [[Pottermore]] website introduced the concept of "Welcome Letters" written by the [[Prefects]] of each house. These letters provide new students with house-specific lore, traditions, and advice upon their sorting, expanding on the first-year integration experience. (Pottermore)