You just transferred to a new school and don't know anyone there yet? The situation must feel strange and awkward, right? Let alone making new friends, even looking for art classes you are still often lost! The desire to make new friends will be even more difficult to realize if everyone at your new school already has their own group of friends. So what should you do? Of course you need to put in a lot of effort to adjust to your new environment! Boost your confidence, take a positive approach, and try to involve yourself in all the social activities at your school. After that, you will realize that making friends with new people is not that difficult!
Step
Method 1 of 5: Boost Confidence
Step 1. Take a deep breath
Don't be nervous! You're just in a new school, not a torture chamber. Always remember that you will definitely find a peer that can be your new best friend. In addition, you will also definitely meet people who like your presence there.
Step 2. Be yourself
Never change yourself just to be accepted by your social circle. If your friends don't want to accept you for who you are, it means they're not the right friend for you. Today, many teenagers are forced to join certain groups of friends simply because they are trapped by stereotypes. The simplest example, a man who likes to sing prefers to join the basketball club simply because he is trapped by the stereotype that the choir is an extracurricular which is less manly for men.
Step 3. Keep yourself clean
No one will approach you if your body or mouth smells bad. Therefore, make sure you always take a shower, put on deodorant, wash your hair, and brush your teeth every day. There is no need to wear clothes that are too expensive; just wear clothes that are clean, neat, and smell good. Trust me, maintained cleanliness will make you look more approachable.
Eating menthol candy is a great way to keep your breath fresh throughout the day. Make sure you also compensate by diligently brushing your teeth
Method 2 of 5: Taking a Positive Approach
Step 1. Be friendly to the people at your new school, regardless of their religious or racial background
If you're worried about saying things that hurt them, don't say anything and just nod your head when they're talking. Make sure you're also a light-hearted person!
Step 2. Be friendly and welcoming
Don't doubt the power of a smile! Don't walk down the halls of school reading a book or staring at the floor. Lift your chin and make eye contact with those around you. If you run into someone you know, greet them with a smile. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to people you just meet. Ask questions like, “The canteen is clean, isn't it?”, “How long have you been studying here?” or “Your shoes are great! Where to buy?.
Step 3. Take the initiative
You can meet people with similar interests and characters everywhere (whether in the bathroom, in front of your locker, or on your school's sports field); the only thing you need to know is how to approach them. Don't hesitate to be the one to start the conversation. Smile, offer compliments, and introduce yourself in the best way possible!
Step 4. Try to remember everyone's names
Be careful, some people may feel uncomfortable if you forget their name. If possible, try asking if they have nicknames. Believe me, this method is very useful for familiarizing yourself with other people.
Step 5. Demonstrate positive behavior
For example, reserve a seat for your classmates, greet your new friends when you pass each other in the school lobby, or congratulate one of your friends on a good test score. You can also offer compliments like, "I love your shoes/bag.". Trust me, even a simple act can mean a lot!
Method 3 of 5: Get Involved
Step 1. Join an extracurricular that you enjoy such as a choir, theater, or language club
Even if you don't know anyone there yet, these people are guaranteed to have the same interests as you. Another advantage, you can also make friends with people with various personalities!
Step 2. Find another new student at your school
Chances are, you're not the only new student at your school; at least, you and them are both in an unfamiliar environment. But if you're not a transfer student, it means that everyone in your class is a freshman! The situation is certainly easier for you, right? Try talking to them about general topics like your old school, your new school, your opinion on things, grades, teachers at school, etc.
Step 3. Don't sit in the back row if you want to be noticed
Try sitting in the middle row to make it easier for you to have conversations with your new friends in class.
Method 4 of 5: Detecting Groups of Friends
Step 1. Get to know the different groups of friends at your school
Every school must have a 'group of famous and annoying kids', or a 'group of naughty boys who always smoke in the toilet'. Instead, there is no need to get too close to such negative groups. But that doesn't mean you have to be rude or completely avoid them! Who knows they're not as bad as you think, right? Also avoid people who are at risk (or proven) to commit a crime. Be yourself, and don't need to put the interests of others above your own.
Method 5 of 5: Enjoying New Friends
Step 1. In the end, invite your new friends to meet outside of school
This is an important step towards making real friends you can rely on. Be yourself and don't let anyone change that!
Tips
- Don't panic if you don't make friends right away on the first day! Remember, you still have months to make friends. After all, there's nothing wrong with being alone for a moment to sort out the right people to be friends.
- Don't try too hard to attract other people's attention or make yourself stand out. Be careful, you could end up embarrassing yourself.
- If you are a shy person, try to appear more open by smiling and holding your head up in front of other people. Don't walk with your head down; Look around you and say hello to the people you meet on the street. Every day, try to break the boundaries you set yourself!
- Don't be too close to one person! Make friends with everyone while trying to get to know each one more closely. After that, you can determine which friends are worth keeping.
- Don't force yourself to join a group of friends. Just introduce yourself and proceed gradually from there; surely they will invite you in!
- Find common interests with the people you want to be friends with.
- Prioritize quality, not quantity. Having lots of friends doesn't automatically make you happier. In fact, it would be nice if you only have a few close friends who are able to establish a deep and meaningful relationship with you.
- Be open and approachable. Don't be afraid to start a conversation with your seatmate!
- Talk to lots of people from different backgrounds; take full advantage of the opportunity to expand your circle of friends!
- After successfully making friends with someone, try to get to know their friends.
Warning
- Don't try too hard. In other words, never change yourself for someone else's sake! Don't fake your attraction or be around people you don't like just to maintain social status. Be friendly, but don't overdo it.
- Don't get used to showing off; no one likes him. There's no need to be too self-conscious. If you eventually manage to make friends with someone, just share your hobbies and interests but don't brag about yourself. But remember, that doesn't mean you have to humble yourself! If you are a bright student and very participative in class, there is no need to cover it up. If you also have talent in the arts, there's no need to hide it in order to protect other people's feelings.
- Don't mess with your friends; You also don't like being organized, do you?
- When you finally make friends with someone, don't be the one hogging the conversation! If he looks like he wants to avoid a certain topic, respect his wishes.
- Be careful, don't act rashly! If someone doesn't seem to be in a good mood, don't go up to them and talk to them. Even if you are the type of person who always wants to help others, don't go too far! In fact, most people feel uncomfortable when strangers approach them and ask personal questions.
- Keep in touch with your old relatives and friends. You can also try to make friends with someone outside of your school so that you always have a place to talk.
