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How to Meet Friends in High School

by Contributing Writer

Overview

High school is the final stage of pre-adult social structure, and for some is the last environment where strong friendships are forged before adulthood. Personal stumbling blocks like shyness can get in the way of meeting new people or keep you from taking advantage of social opportunities. Meeting friends in high school can help you to feel like you fit in and set the tone of your social acceptance for the rest of your life.

Step 1

Go to orientation. Orientation can give you a jumpstart to forging friendships when you are in your freshman year. You will meet other teens who are experiencing many of the same emotions you are. Take the opportunity to introduce yourself to others during orientation to take advantage of the moment.
Step 2

Look for those who look like you. Dressing in a way that fits your personality can have positive outcomes, even if it is not always the most popular thing to do. People tend to wear what describes them in some way, and looking for others who dress like you do can help you identify what 'clique' you should approach first. Knowing where to begin is half the battle. To avoid feeling shallow, remember that, until you get to know them, you can only judge someone on his or her appearance.
Step 3

Join a club. Getting involved in your high school will not only look good on college applications, but it will also give you an opportunity to meet new people. Joining a club or playing on a school sports team raises your popularity among those who have similar interests, which can do some of the work of making friends for you.
Step 4

Show some friendly signals. It will be difficult to make friends in high school if you seem unapproachable or mean. Flashing a smile, introducing yourself or simply saying 'hello' in your own friendly way can work wonders. Either way, making yourself approachable will allow others to come to you.
Step 5

Know when to make your move. Meeting friends means knowing when to go in for the 'kill'. If cliques have already formed up at the school, then you will have to make a more calculated approach to meeting friends. Talking to someone when they are by themselves will yield a higher success rate. Dealing with groups means you will have to put up with the attitudes of each individual in a collective manner.

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Asking people questions about themselves is a good way to break the ice while meeting and making new friends.
Asking people questions about themselves is a good way to break the ice while meeting and making new friends.
Remember, when you are in class, your focus needs to be on learning and what the teacher is saying.. Time between classes, at lunch and during more social classes like band, physical education and drama will allow for socializing.
Remember, when you are in class, your focus needs to be on learning and what the teacher is saying.. Time between classes, at lunch and during more social classes like band, physical education and drama will allow for socializing.