Making friends is one of the hardest goals to achieve on the first day of school. It is completely normal to feel scared and anxious. If you are nervous, there are a few simple steps you can take to help you make friends more easily. Compliment someone or start chatting with an icebreaker phrase. Also, by joining a sports association or club you will have the opportunity to meet other people. With a little effort, you'll make new friends in no time!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Find Someone to Talk to
Step 1. Look for a lonely person
Don't worry if you feel nervous on your first day. You are not the only one! Look for someone else who is alone like you. He might need a friend too.
Try sitting next to someone who eats alone in the canteen. It will be easier to get close to him than to a group of people
Step 2. Find someone who shares your hobbies
Pay attention to people reading books that interest you or wearing t-shirts with characters from your favorite movies or TV shows. If you have interests in common with another person, you will probably have a lot to talk about right away.
- If you see someone who seems to share interests with you, approach them and talk to them. Start with a compliment on the shirt, backpack, or item that caught your eye.
- Next, ask him questions about his favorite character, episode, or movie.
- For example, if you see someone in a Harry Potter t-shirt, you can say, "I like your t-shirt! Are you a Harry Potter fan too? What is your favorite book?".
Step 3. Spend time with people you already know
If you have any friends at school, stay with him and his classmates. It's easier to make new friends if someone else can do the introductions.
- Ask your friend to introduce you to at least one other person on your first day.
- Don't be angry if others don't come over to talk to you. They are probably just as nervous as you are, if not more.
Step 4. Join a sports association or some other type
These are ideal settings in which to meet people who have similar interests to yours. If you like soccer, join a soccer team. If you enjoy reading, look for a book club.
- Ask your teachers and other students what teams and clubs your school offers.
- Also look for information on associations on the school bulletin board.
- If your school has a website, look for information on associations, teams or other activities you can participate in.
- Don't worry if you can't make a friend on the first day. Since associations organize regular meetings, you will have many opportunities to meet other people in the future!
Method 2 of 3: Start a Conversation
Step 1. Make yourself appear available
Smile so your classmates feel comfortable talking to you. Look people in the eye and say hello. Get a confident posture and a sunny attitude.
- Avoid wearing headphones on the first day of school. While listening to music, a book, or a podcast can help you relax, people will avoid getting close because they won't want to bother you.
- Keep your phone and other devices at home or in your backpack. If you always watch a screen, you can miss an opportunity to make a friend.
Step 2. Try to prepare sentences when talking to people you don't know
Starting a conversation with someone is the first step in making new friends. To start a dialogue, ask a simple question to break the ice. Then, continue with other questions. You can even prepare and practice the following questions before going to school.
- For example, after a science class, you can ask your classmate, "Did you like your first class?"
- Or, if you see someone reading a book, you can ask them, "What are you reading?"
- If you don't know where a classroom or canteen is, ask someone for directions, then thank them and introduce yourself.
- If talking to other people makes you nervous, try repeating these phrases in front of the mirror.
Step 3. Ask open-ended questions to other students
Once you have started a conversation with one of your classmates, ask him questions that continue the dialogue. Avoid simple questions that can be answered with yes or no, with a monosyllable or with a few words.
- For example, ask, "What did you do this summer?" instead of "Did you have fun this summer?".
- Listen carefully to the other person's response and ask more questions based on what they have told you.
Step 4. Compliment someone
An appreciation of another person's hairstyle or look is a great way to break the ice and start a conversation. It also makes your classmate feel less nervous on their first day and allows you to make a good first impression.
- Try to continue the conversation with a question. For example, after complimenting a friend on his backpack, you can ask him, "Where did you buy this?".
- Try to avoid fake compliments. If you don't like someone's shoes, don't tell them you find them very nice. It's probably not a good idea to start a friendship with a lie.
Method 3 of 3: Increase Your Self-Esteem
Step 1. Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable
When you are relaxed, you can better express your personality. This will also make you feel more confident and give you the courage to talk to other people.
- Don't try to wear stylish clothes and elegant shoes if they make you feel uncomfortable. Wearing clothes that don't fit your style will only make you even more nervous.
- Also, by putting on clothes you like, you attract the attention of people who have the same tastes as you.
Step 2. Behave confident even if you feel insecure
Having a confident attitude will make you feel and look more comfortable. To do this, keep your back straight, smile, and try to look other people in the eye. Alternatively, try acting like a person with a lot of self-esteem.
Try to focus on the things that are happening around you and not on yourself. This advice will also help you feel more confident and less worried about your appearance
Step 3. Help others with small gestures
Showing your kindness by helping someone can make you feel better. Also, doing a lot of small, kind gestures will help you develop self-esteem.
- For example, try to compliment at least one person on your first day of school.
- By helping someone pick up something they have dropped, you have a chance to make friends. Smile and introduce yourself as you return the item.
- Another great way to spread positivity is to look people in the eye and smile.
Step 4. Try not to get upset if you can't make friends with anyone on the first day
The first day of school is stressful for everyone. They are all anxious and worried about the new subjects to follow. Many people are too nervous to talk to someone. Be patient and try to make friends on the second or third day of school.