It's hard to start going to a new school. Everything seems so strange and you don't even know how to orient yourself. Making friends can also be problematic, as everyone already has their own little group. However, don't despair: you have all the credentials to integrate into the new environment! If you have confidence in yourself, show yourself available and get involved, you will have less difficulty making new friends.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Trust Yourself
Step 1. Take a deep breath and relax
Try not to be nervous. Remember that you are not the only one looking for new friends. Depending on the time of year you enroll in school, some small groups may already have formed, but there will be other classmates who, like you, want to make friends. So, don't put yourself under pressure.
You probably won't have all the friends in the new school that you had in the old one, but that's not a problem. Social life is always characterized by ups and downs. It's not your fault
Step 2. Be yourself
Never change to please the people you are trying to establish a relationship with. If your friends don't accept you for who you are, they are not being honest. Usually, a party is made up of individuals who behave naturally and who have interests and tastes that fall within the group's standards.
For example, a person with a sporting talent might play on a school team, while someone with an artistic temperament might join a group of alumni who share a passion for art
Step 3. Dress however you like
Clothing plays an important role in building personal image and self-confidence. Instead of dressing to impress others, wear what you like. This way, you will be able to express your personality, but the most important thing is that you will feel comfortable with yourself.
If you have to wear a school uniform, try to figure out some ways to fit your style. Many schools leave the choice of clothing to children, otherwise try to use some accessories that give an idea of your style
Step 4. Imagine your goal
As you strive to build self-confidence, you should also change your mindset. Instead of just thinking about making new friends, imagine that you already have some success in social interactions and meeting new people. Observe all the small milestones reached along the way, such as chatting up with those you don't know and chatting pleasantly in their company.
Step 5. Take some time to reflect on your qualities
You will be able to make new friends if you consider yourself a good friend. Write down some good points about your character and keep the list handy to read whenever you need a shot of self-esteem.
A fun strategy to use is to think about your favorite celebrities. Write down the qualities you have in common with the famous people you adore. This way, you will feel more confident
Part 2 of 3: Being Open and Available
Step 1. Smile
You will certainly be much more captivating. When you walk in the corridors of the school, do not lean over the books and do not look down, but roll up your head and look others in the eye. If you see someone you know, smile and say hello.
Step 2. Don't hesitate to ask questions
It is only natural that you want to introduce yourself to someone and talk a little about yourself. However, if you ask a few questions, people will understand that you are interested in what they have to say and will consider you a good friend.
- To strike up a conversation, ask something: "How's the food here?" or "How long have you been in this school?".
- Accompany a compliment with a question at the beginning of a conversation: "I like your shoes. Where did you buy them?".
Step 3. Make a nice gesture for someone
Hold his seat, greet him in the corridor, congratulate him on something. Give him a compliment: "I love your shoes (or your backpack)". It can work wonders.
Step 4. Don't force things
Even if you try your best to be kind and helpful, not everyone wants to be your friend. They will have their reasons - for example, you don't share the same interests. If you have the feeling that someone doesn't want to hang out with you or tells you without too many words, don't insist. You can't make him be your friend.
Part 3 of 3: Getting Involved
Step 1. Take the initiative
In the bathroom as in the corridors, everywhere you can meet someone who has things in common with you. You just have to find out how to get close. Hit the button, smile, compliment and, of course, introduce yourself by saying where you're from! You never know where you can find a good friend.
Since you are a new student, people will likely be intrigued by you and will be willing to talk to you. Take advantage of it
Step 2. Follow the extracurricular activities
It doesn't matter if it is an association, a theater group or a sports team. You have the opportunity to meet and date new people, and thus to make new friends. Moreover, in this way, it will be easier to meet someone who shares the same passions as you.
You can also use this opportunity to try something you never would have done in the old school. The new school environment offers you the chance to reinvent yourself, so don't be afraid to try your hand at something different
Step 3. Look for other classmates who have recently enrolled in your institution
You are probably not the only one who has changed schools and, therefore, you will have at least one thing in common with others: you are all in an unknown environment. Since what you have in common is that you've just arrived, it shouldn't be that hard to make new friends. Talk about old and new school, what you think, grades, teachers, and you will find something to share with others.
Step 4. Try to sit in the center of the classroom
You will be noticed more than among the desks at the back of the classroom or those near the desk. You will have less difficulty having a chat with your classmates and it is more likely that a study group will form and you will be invited.
Step 5. Don't rush
You probably won't make friends on the first day of school, but that's okay. Building such a relationship takes time and you need to find the right person. However, if you don't give up, you will eventually find a true friend.
Advice
- Do not rush to join a group, but proceed gradually. Hopefully, they will accept you!
- By remembering people's names after the first meeting, you will show that you are interested in learning more about them. However, don't worry if you forget it. Just ask politely and do your best not to forget it after they tell you again.
- Don't judge or be rude, even if a partner is unkind to you.
- Once you have made friends with someone, try to get to know their friends.
- Don't listen to gossip or rumors about other people. Get to know them in person to understand who they really are, without relying on what others think.
- Humor is gold. Make jokes, but avoid being cruel and / or humiliating your peers. Not the right way to make friends.
- If you don't have the courage to invite a mate out on the weekend, just go to a school football or basketball game and be seen around often. He will start to get to know you and understand that you want to have fun and maybe even propose you to join another event.
- If someone is being bullied, defend them! Others will understand that they can count on you and even protect you if it happens to you!
- Be nice to people, even if they don't like you right away.
- If you are having trouble or are feeling depressed, ask for help. A psychologist can help you and allow you to improve your self-esteem and your social skills.
- The school counselors and teachers will be more than happy to introduce you to your classmates.
Warnings
- When you make friends with someone, don't monopolize conversations. If it is obvious that he prefers to avoid a certain subject, have respect.
- Stay close to your family and old friends. Also, try to make friends outside of school so you have someone to talk to.
- When you make friends with a mate, don't push them around. He certainly won't like someone telling him what to do.
