2 answers
Sarah
Student
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Updated
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How long does it usually take to find your people if you are going to a school where you don't know any other students yet?
Any tips for speeding the process up?
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2 answers
Trevon Henry
11
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Trevon’s Answer
Starting at a new school where you don't know anyone can be tough, but remember, it's something everyone gets through. In just a few weeks, you'll likely find a group to hang out with, and by the end of the semester, you might have some close friends. The "new kid" feeling won't last forever, and many of your classmates are also looking to make friends.
To make this easier, try being proactive in the first few days. Say hello to the people sitting next to you in class before it starts. It might seem a bit bold, but it’s much easier to chat on the first day than later on. Joining small clubs or hobby groups can also help you meet people who share your interests, making it easier to start conversations.
Being the one to reach out can help you find friends faster. Many people are just waiting for someone to take the lead, so suggesting lunch or a study session can make you more approachable. Keep your headphones off and your phone away in common areas to show that you're open to talking. Be patient and keep engaging with others; soon, the school will start to feel like home.
To make this easier, try being proactive in the first few days. Say hello to the people sitting next to you in class before it starts. It might seem a bit bold, but it’s much easier to chat on the first day than later on. Joining small clubs or hobby groups can also help you meet people who share your interests, making it easier to start conversations.
Being the one to reach out can help you find friends faster. Many people are just waiting for someone to take the lead, so suggesting lunch or a study session can make you more approachable. Keep your headphones off and your phone away in common areas to show that you're open to talking. Be patient and keep engaging with others; soon, the school will start to feel like home.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Sarah
Kalpita Ainapure
Management Consulting
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Kalpita’s Answer
In my experience, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to really find your people at a new school. When I changed schools, I didn't know many students at first, and it took some time to build friendships and feel like I belonged. One of the best things I did was join clubs and activities that genuinely interested me. Being around people who already shared my interests made it much easier to start conversations and form connections naturally.
Another thing that helped was looking for common ground with classmates. Sometimes friendships started from simple conversations about a book we both enjoyed, a TV show we were watching, a movie we liked, or even a class we were taking together. Those shared interests gave us something to talk about and helped us get to know each other better. My biggest advice is to be patient with yourself and stay open to new experiences. It may not happen overnight, but if you put yourself in situations where you can meet people and connect over shared interests, you'll likely find your group before you know it.
Another thing that helped was looking for common ground with classmates. Sometimes friendships started from simple conversations about a book we both enjoyed, a TV show we were watching, a movie we liked, or even a class we were taking together. Those shared interests gave us something to talk about and helped us get to know each other better. My biggest advice is to be patient with yourself and stay open to new experiences. It may not happen overnight, but if you put yourself in situations where you can meet people and connect over shared interests, you'll likely find your group before you know it.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Sarah