How to make friends at a new school?
Basic Tips
Be open to new acquaintances
The first step in making friends at a new school is being open to others. Remember, every person you meet is a potential friend. Even if you don’t feel confident yet, it’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone and initiating conversations. Being open to new connections will make it easier to build relationships, and your environment will become more welcoming.
Engage in school life
Extracurricular activities are a great opportunity to meet people with similar interests. Interest clubs, sports sections, volunteering, or school events are excellent places where it’s easier to find new friends. Participating in such activities together allows you to form bonds that can turn into long-lasting friendships. It’s also a way to build confidence and better integrate into the new environment.
Start with small steps
Starting a conversation with new people can be difficult, but remember, you don’t have to dive into deep conversations right away. Start with simple questions like, “How did you do in the last class?”, “What do you think about that teacher?”, or “What homework was assigned for tomorrow?”. These small steps will help break the ice and start a conversation that could lead to a closer friendship.
Find common topics
Good conversations often begin with common topics. At a new school, it's easier to talk about classes, teachers, lessons, or daily school situations. You can ask what they think about a particular subject, teacher, or homework assignments. If you notice that you share common interests (e.g., books, movies, music), it’s a great opportunity to deepen the conversation and show that you have similar passions. Shared topics are the foundation of successful conversations and help build deeper relationships.
Psychological Tips
Overcoming the fear of rejection
The fear of rejection is natural, but it shouldn’t stop you from making new friends. It’s important to remember that every relationship takes time, and not everyone has to become your friend. Instead of fearing rejection, focus on the positive aspects of interactions. Start with small steps – smile, greet others, and over time, you’ll notice that making connections becomes easier. Don’t take potential rejection personally – it’s a natural part of the process.
Building confidence
To feel more confident in a new school, focus on your strengths and abilities. Prepare for conversations by writing down questions or topics that can help you break the ice. Remember, authenticity is more important than perfection – people value sincerity. Building confidence is a process that starts with small steps, such as more frequent conversations or participating in school events. Over time, you’ll notice that you become more open and confident.
The benefits of making friends at a new school
Making friends in a new school is crucial for the adaptation process. Friends not only help you feel less lonely, but they also make it easier to fit into the new environment. Good relationships with peers improve your well-being, increase your sense of security and confidence, and reduce stress related to the new surroundings. With friends, school life becomes more joyful and fulfilling, which positively impacts your attitude toward learning and other responsibilities. Additionally, spending time together, sharing passions, and offering mutual support during difficult times make new experiences easier to handle. Friendships are key to feeling truly "at home" in a new school.
Behavior in difficult situations
What to do if you can’t find new friends
If you feel lonely, remember that making friends takes time. Focus on your passions and engage in school activities that will help you meet people with similar interests. If you continue to have difficulties, talk to a teacher or counselor, who can help you find the right groups. Remember, persistence in searching for friends will eventually pay off.
How to avoid negative behavior
Avoid getting involved in conflicts, gossip, or toxic situations. If you encounter exclusion, remain calm and focus on positive relationships. Staying away from negative people will help you concentrate on building healthy and lasting friendships.
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