Going to a new school can be frightening. How will you make friends? Will the other students like you? Try not to fear -- you will meet cool people and find your place soon. Read this guide for tips on how to fit in at a new school.
Going to a new school can be frightening. How will you make friends? Will the other students like you? Try not to fear -- you will meet cool people and find your place soon. Read this guide for tips on how to fit in at a new school.
Introduction
- No matter who you are, or how popular you once were, starting a new school can be nerve-wracking. Fitting in may be hard, and probably won't happen over night. While you may feel intimidated or lost, keep in mind that attending a new school will give you the opportunity to make brand new friends. If you didn't like your social situation at your old school, this is a great chance to start all over and reinvent yourself. If you had a lot of great friends before, the odds are that you will be popular at your new school, too. Whatever background you may be coming from, if you follow a few simple guidelines it will be possible to fit in at your new school.
Step 1: Be Outgoing
- Your instincts may tell you to shrink away from the crowd, but this is no time to be shy. The quickest way to make friends is to approach students that you think look cool, and introduce yourself. It may feel awkward at first, but you will soon find out if you have a connection with a potential friend. Here are some tips:
- Talk to the people in your classes. It is easier to initiate conversation here than at lunchtime, when everyone it huddled in their respective cliques.
- Keep a confident attitude. You may feel like sinking into the floor, but you don't have to show it. People will respect you if you show confidence in yourself.
- Smile at everyone you make eye contact with.
- Approach people who look similar to you. They will probably be very accepting.
Step 2: Join a Club
- Clubs are great for making new friends. Find out what programs your school has to offer, and sign up as soon as possible for one that sparks your interest. By joining a club that appeals to you, you will meet other people who share your interests. Consider the following types of clubs:
- Sports
- Drama
- Arts
- Politics
- Debate
- Environmental
- Orchestra or band
- Academics
Step 3: Look for Trends
While you don't want to be a carbon copy of every other kid at your school, you will fit in better if you are aware of what your classmates are into. Your school may be really into musical theater, or football. Study up on the things you notice are popular, and then you can incorporate your knowledge into conversation. Clothing trends are easy to spot, and will also help you fit in. If ripped jeans are all the rage, it wouldn't hurt to invest in a pair or two.
Just remember to be yourself above all else. It's fine to tweak your wardrobe a bit or attend a few events that you wouldn't have on your own, but don't stray too far from the things that make you unique. People can spot a poser a mile away, and nobody will respect you if you pretend to be somebody you're not.
Conclusion
Starting a new school can be scary, and you may be worried about how you are going to fit in. Don't stress too much. You will make friends naturally over time. The most important thing to do is show confidence in who you are, and take proactive steps towards meeting your fellow classmates. If it doesn't happen right away, have patience. Friendships take time to build, and you will eventually end up finding your niche.
