How To Make Friends When You Are New To School
Making new friends can be difficult, especially if you are new to college or a certain school. But don’t sweat it, take a look at this article to get some ideas on what you can do to more friends. These tips could also apply to if you are in a new city, new job, etc. While reading these tips, also keep in mind how you have made friends in the past. How did you get your current set of friends? What are some strength and positive characteristics that you have that makes you a great friend?
Join clubs
Look at all the clubs that your school has available. Put an asterisk next to all the one that interests you or that you think could be of interest to you. Then take action and go to a meeting. It does not have to be a regular thing for you. The main goal is just to try things out and allow things to happen organically. Introduce yourself to people that look friendly and join the conversation when you hear something that you like mentioned. I know that it can be stressful to talk and start a conversation, but you can have peace of mind knowing that you are surrounded by people like you and that you guys share a certain interest.
Make study groups in your class; Ask your classmates for help
You do not have to be having a hard time in school to suggest a study group. If this task is not necessary for you, then just feel free to ask your classmates questions or for help on certain questions, you make have. The perfect time to do this is when you have an upcoming assignment or test. In turn, that classmate will ask you for help and advice eventually. If you are then more comfortable with them and your schedules match, try and arrange a study group for you guys to have. This can be a big help in your grade as well as aid in you in finding new friends to talk to.
Know that you are not the only new one
There are people out there just like you that are new to everything, They may be having a hard time with everything just like you are. Knowing that you are not alone in your struggle can provide you with a lot of comfort. This knowledge can also ease some of the awkwardness you may feel when you are trying to do so. The odds are that mostly like if you are in a new college, that the people you are talking to are also in search of new friends to hang out with.
Use apps like Patook/ Bumble (friends)
If the two other tips are not helpful for you, try using an app. In this day and age, they have apps for everything, Use them to your advantage. It can be tough trying to overcome the anxiety and fear of making friends, but you can lessen the blow by meeting people online first. Apps are a great way to dip your toe in trying to meet new people without the full commitment and panic of trying. Using an app can also be a buffer for some of those awkward moments that you dread to deal with in-person.
Plan a lunch date with a classmate
If you have a classmate that you always see or talk to, then see if you guys can make a plan. The easiest way to do this is to just set up a friend date. Use some of your prior knowledge to choose a place that you know will interest them. For example, you know that they really like coffee, invite them to go with you to a coffee shop. Just keep things light and easy, like you would if you were on a date with someone. The person accepted the invitation, so you already that they like you and are interested in getting to know you as a person.
Join a book club
If you are an avid reader, a book club is a great way to meet up the like-minded books who also love reading. There are book club even dedicated to certain genres and authors. I am sure there is at least one book club in your school, but there are also club online that you join as well. Like meetup.com showcases tons of clubs and events for folks that share common interests. You do not have to meet people only from your school, You can open up social interactions with everyone that shares your interests.
Accept and embrace the awkward moments
Just like dating, finding and seeking new friends can and will can some awkward moments. You just have to grin and bear it, or even better, you can laugh it off and own it. Either way, awkward moments are nothing to be ashamed of, because they happen to everybody. It is more important on how you handle and how you are able to recover from it. There are bound to happen, but just try not to sweat the small stuff.
Follow up after friend dates, parties, or study groups
This is probably the most important tip when it comes to making new friends. If you lucky enough to nab that friend date, or you were a social butterfly during a study group always check in with them afterward. Let them know what parts you enjoyed and start a casual conversation through text or whatever means you use to contact them. Following up sends a very subtle message to that person and I am sure they would feel very appreciative of your efforts. Another way to do this is to let people know you care about their wellbeing. If it’s the end of the night or the event, ask them to text you when they have reached their destination safely.
