Being a new kid at school can be frightening.It might seem like everyone else knows how to act, but you are not the only one.You can fit right in if you make a great first impression, find friends, and learn about your new school.
Step 1: Prepare the night before.
You will feel less stressed if you have everything ready to go.Make sure you have all your school supplies ready to go, and lay out your first day outfit.It is possible to get a good night's sleep and feel less anxious on your first day.
Step 2: You can choose an outfit that makes you feel good.
Pick clothes that show your personality.For your first day, you may want to wear an outfit that is a little nicer than usual, like a new shirt instead of an old faded one.Make sure your clothes are washed and pressed, that you brush your teeth, and put on makeup.If you want to attract friends with similar interests, wear a shirt with your favorite show, musician, or sports team on it.This is an easy way to start a conversation.If you wear a uniform, make sure it fits.You can personalize it with accessories that say something about you, like a nail polish in your favorite color or a belt with your team's logo on it.
Step 3: Stay calm and positive.
It is normal to be nervous or anxious when you are new to school.Take some deep breaths to get rid of your nerves.It is not that big of a deal that everyone is the new kid.If you feel uneasy, you can listen to music that makes you happy.Try to remember a good first day instead of focusing on the negatives.
Step 4: Your body language can be used to show confidence.
On the first day, don't come in with your head hanging down, your shoulders slumped, and your eyes on the floor.Walk with your head held up, your back straight, and a cheerful expression on your face.If other people look at you or speak to you, smile.Smiling and carrying yourself with pride will help you feel more confident if you are shy.
Step 5: Introduce yourself to your classmates.
Don't be afraid to let people know who you are.Everyone is curious about the new student, so don't feel self-conscious about introducing yourself to your teachers, the students sitting next to you, and anyone you make eye contact with.Something as simple as "Hey, I'm Jessica!" will break the ice.Ask the people you are talking to questions about themselves if you don't like being the center of attention.It will help you learn more about your new classmates and shift the spotlight off of you.
Step 6: Don't be mean to everyone.
You should smile and be nice to everyone you meet.You will let people know that you are friendly.Make no assumptions about the students at your new school.It will take some time to get to know everyone and distinguish rumors from facts, so treat everyone with kindness and respect.
Step 7: Contribute to class.
You can show your teachers that you want to do well by participating in class right away.Ask questions, raise your hand, and answer them.You can ask your teachers questions about the class if you stay after class.Say something like, "Is this story influenced by Shakespeare?""I sometimes have a hard time raising my hand, but I wanted to say that I really liked the reading and I thought it showed how people's ideas changed over time," you can say if you stay after class.
Step 8: It's a good idea to talk to strangers at school.
It is okay to feel weird talking to strangers.It's hard to make friends if you don't talk to anyone, so set a goal of meeting 1 new person each day.Say hello to someone in one of your classes.Start talking to people you sit next to.Soon you will be able to chat with other people.If you don't know what to say, try asking a question.It is a good idea to start a conversation with something like, "What pages are we supposed to read?" or "Do the football team usually win?"Try to comment on anything you might have in common with someone.Say, "Nice pin!"I like The Cure.
Step 9: Talk to the people in your class.
It is easy to talk to someone sitting near you.Ask about the teacher or comment on the class.If you want to start talking about yourself, you should tell them you noticed about them that you like or admire.A comment like, "I love those shoes!" or "That was really cool of you when you told him to leave that girl alone."It can open up a conversation that can lead to friendship.
Step 10: If you want to sit with them, look for a group you fit into.
Look for groups of people who wear the clothes you like, listen to the music you enjoy, and do the things you want to do.Ask them to sit with you.If you like those things, they will want to hang out with you.If you see a group of people talking about basketball, you can say, "Basketball's my life!"When I lived in New York, I was able to see the Knicks twice.Do you mind if I sit with you?
Step 11: You can add your classmates on social media.
If you use the most social media platforms, add your classmates.Don't feel weird about it, it's normal.Getting to know someone on social media can lead to friendship later.Start small by liking one of their posts.You could say, "I love those shoes!" or "That looks really fun!"
Step 12: You can join the activity right away.
If you join a club or team as soon as possible, you will be able to meet friends with the same interests as you.Most clubs will allow you to join whenever you please.You should show up to the games, practices, and rehearsals if you can't join right away.If you don't know what you want to do, sign up for a couple and see which one you like best.If you can't join right away, ask to volunteer.If you start school while it is in dress rehearsals, you will probably not be able to be in the school play, but you can ask to help take tickets or set up the stage.
Step 13: There are games and events.
You can help fit in at a new school by attending sports games, tournaments, dances, and other events.Don't stay home and wonder what everyone else is doing, go find out for yourself!If you don't know many of the students, attending school functions is a great way to make friends.If you want to have a good time, talk to someone that looks friendly and interesting.
Step 14: Look for someone who is close to you.
If you are too shy to join a club right away, look for someone who is the same way.If you see someone sitting alone at a school event, get to know them.They may need a friend like you do.You don't have to introduce yourself right away.Make eye contact and smile when you see them.It is possible to work your way up to an actual conversation.Say something like, "You are wearing a lovely jacket!" to compliment them.
Step 15: Give yourself time to be happy.
Don't get discouraged if you're not popular by the end of the first week.It can be hard to get used to being a new kid, especially if you are shy.Even if it is small things like better lunch choices or a wider variety of classes, make a list of the good things about your new school.You can feel better about your situation if you stay in touch with your old friends.Text or call your friends from your old school if you are lonely.
Step 16: Look up your school on the internet.
If you want to avoid confusion on your first day, look up everything you can find online.You can find directions, a list of all the important places, and even a school map on the school website.If you can find a school map online, download it to your phone so you don't have to ask for directions.
Step 17: A school tour is arranged.
You can ask for a tour of the campus before you start.Ask your tour guide where to find the bathroom, gym, cafeteria, and library.You can ask where to find each class if you already have your schedule.
Step 18: Email your teachers.
It's helpful to know your teachers before your first day.If you are coming in the middle of the year, email your teachers to find out where the other students are in their studies.It's possible to write something like "Hello!I am Florence!I will be in your class.We just moved from California and I want to make sure I am not behind.If you can't email your teachers, introduce yourself on your first day.
Step 19: If you already know someone at your new school, you can find out more.
You might already know some of your classmates if you change schools in the same area or move to a different place.If you want to find students at your new school, you can use social media or ask your friends and family.
Step 20: You might want to check out clubs and teams.
There will be a list of clubs on the school website.Email the coaches or faculty leaders at your school to inquire if you can join.Statistics and video of past games, tournaments, plays, and events can be found on the internet.
Step 21: Ask for help if you need it.
If you are confused, ask for help.You can speak with a teacher, administrator or guidance counselor.You can reach out for help if you can't find your classes.Other students can give you advice.The person who has a locker next to yours knows how to get the lock unstuck, so don't be too shy to ask for help.