Starting at a new school can be stressful for many new students. Making friends may seem intimidating with many students wondering how to make new friends at school. I want to share some strategies that are effective in meeting new people.
1. Ask For Directions
Asking for directions around the school is a great way to meet a new, friendly face. Many students are more than happy to give directions to a new student. This also opens the possibility into becoming friends with someone new. Putting yourself out there is a great way to meet new people and gain new experiences.
2. Join After School Clubs
After school clubs are another great way to meet new people that you might otherwise never meet. You’ll already have a common interest with the students as they’ll be interested in the club. It’s also a great organic way to begin hanging out with a new group of people. We recommend joining multiple clubs if you have the time to increase the chance of making friends.
3. Talk to Your Desk Neighbor
Where you sit in a class can open up the opportunity for making friends. Try to sit around people you’d like to get to know. Start by introducing yourself. Chances are, they are unfamiliar with many of the students in the class and would be open to getting to know a new student. Once you break the ice, start to ask questions about themselves and their interests. nicd.nih.gov says:
Even though they encounter multiple classmates during school each day, primary school children are much more likely to become friends with classmates they sit next to rather than other children in the class, a study funded by the National Institutes of Health suggests.
Try to find common ground to bond on and develop your friendship. Keep in mind not to do this during class time as it can be distracting to the rest of the class. It’s best to do this before or after class if possible.
4. Appear Approachable
It’s important that you look friendly and approachable to others, in order to attract new friends. Try to not walk around the hallway with earbuds in. Get ample rest so you do not look tired. Don’t wear sunglasses, as it can make you seem unapproachable. Make eye contact with others in the hallway as well to appear friendly! This is key in answering how to make new friends at school.
5. Go To Social Events
Social events like homecoming, prom, etc. are all great ways to meet new people. It may seem scary attending events like this alone. Once you’re there, the event will have mixers that are designed to get people mingling. It can be a great opportunity to open yourself up to new groups and experiences!
I hope these 5 tips were helpful in answering the question of how to make new friends at school. We recommend employing all of these strategies when able to maximize your chances of making a new friend. Above all else, don’t give up! It’s easy to get discouraged easily, but often times you end up meeting your best friend when you least expect it. Keep your head held high and make it your mission! You got this!
If you’re looking for a smaller school environment, I recommend checking out our one-to-one private school: The Tenney School. Our students are able to learn in the classroom, free from the social pressures present in a larger class setting. We even have small group classes where students are able to meet other students of a similar grade level and interests.