How to Make Friends in High School Even If You’re Shy: 16 Hacks for Teens

Wondering how to make friends in high school and even feeling shy about it?

You’re not alone!

It’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous about fitting in and finding friends who like the same things you do.

High school comes with a lot of changes, from harder classes and more homework to dealing with all kinds of social situations like new friendships and changing friend groups.

It can definitely feel overwhelming at times trying to find your way through it all, especially if you’re naturally shy, but I’ve got your back!

In this article, I’ll share 12 tips that will help you meet other students, have a good time, and learn more about who you are.

Ready to start making some awesome new friends?

Let’s go!

Tips on How to Make Friends in High School Even if You’re Shy!

Making friends in high school can sometimes feel a bit scary, but it can also be really fun!

Here are some easy tips to help you make new friends at school even if you’re feeling shy:

1. Be Your True Self

When you’re in high school, it’s super tempting to want to fit in or be like someone else, especially if it seems like they’re making friends easily.

But the truth is, being yourself is the most important thing when it comes to making real friends.

When you pretend to be someone else, it can be exhausting to keep up the act, and you might end up with friends who don’t really know or like the real you.

On the other hand, when you’re real and show who you truly are, you attract people who like and appreciate you for who you truly are.

These are the friends who will stick by you and support you, no matter what.

So, even though it might feel harder at first, being yourself is the key to finding friends who will love and appreciate the real you.

2. Smile and Be Friendly

Let’s talk about the power of being friendly and approachable.

When you have friendly body language and a positive attitude, it makes others want to approach you.

It tells them that you’re open and easy to talk to, which makes them feel good around you.

Think about it: when you see someone who is smiling and relaxed, you’re probably more likely to strike up a conversation with them than with someone who looks grumpy or unfriendly.

So, keep that friendly vibe going—it’s like sending an invitation to others to come and get to know you!

3. Start Small

Starting small talk with classmates can open big doors for friendship.

It might feel a bit scary to be the first one to say hello, but it’s a great way to break the ice and show others that you’re interested in getting to know them.

When you initiate a chat, whether it’s about homework, a TV show, or just how their day is going, it opens the door to new friendships.

Plus, everyone feels a little nervous about meeting new people, so by stepping up first, you make it easier for others who might be too shy to start talking.

So go ahead, say hi to someone new—your next best friend might be just one conversation away!

4. Show You’re Interested

Showing interest in others is key to making friends in high school.

When you ask about someone’s hobbies, listen to their stories, or talk about what interests them, it makes them feel important and valued.

This attention can really help build strong friendships because it shows you care about their life.

When you really engage with what matters to them, you might discover things you both like, which can lead to deeper talks and closer bonds.

So next time you chat with someone, be curious about their interests—it might just kickstart a fantastic friendship!

5. Prepare Conversation Starters

Having conversation starters ready is really helpful to make social interactions go smother.

It’s like having a cheat sheet that makes breaking the ice easier and less awkward.

With a few topics in mind you don’t have to worry about what to say, so you’ll feel more confident and ready to chat.

Here are a few simple conversation starters you can try:

“What did you think of that homework assignment in [class]?”

“I noticed you’re wearing a [band name] shirt. Are you going to their concert next month?”

“I noticed your [sports team] merch. Did you catch the game last night?”

“What kinds of movies do you like? Seen anything good lately?”

“Are you joining any clubs this year? I’m looking for some fun ones.”

These starters are easy to ask, and they can help you learn more about your classmates and find common interests.

6. Join Fun Clubs and Groups!

Joining clubs and groups in high school, whether it’s for sports, drama, or science, is an awesome way to meet other students who like the same things you do.

Having something in common makes it easier to start conversations and build friendships.

Clubs usually have lots of fun activities too, like tournaments, shows, or group projects, which are great for getting closer to your clubmates.

So if you want to make more friends, check out the clubs at your school and join one that really interests you.

It’s a cool way to enjoy your high school years and meet new people!

7. Go to Fun Events

Going to fun events, like school dances, games, or club meetings, is a great way to have a good time, meet new people, and make friends.

Since everyone is usually in a relaxed and happy mood at these events, it’s easier to start conversations and bond.

You can talk about what’s happening, cheer together at a game, or team up during a club activity.

Sharing these fun times can help you make friends easily because you’re all enjoying yourselves and getting to know each other naturally.

So, don’t miss out on these social gatherings – they’re not only fun, but also a fantastic opportunity to meet new people who might become great friends!

8. Include Everyone

When you make an effort to include everyone, whether it’s in conversations, group projects, or at lunch, it shows that you’re a friendly and open person.

People are drawn to those who make them feel welcomed and valued.

Plus, by reaching out to different types of people, you can make a diverse group of friends who bring different outlooks and experiences to your life.

So, always try to include others—it can lead to some great friendships and makes school a nicer place for everyone.

9. Help and Support Others

When you help out or offer support to your classmates, you show that you’re a caring and reliable friend.

It could be as simple as helping someone with their homework, cheering them up when they’re feeling down, or just being there to listen when they need to talk.

When you’re there for others, they’ll appreciate your kindness and be more likely to want to be friends with you.

It also makes you feel good to know you’ve made a positive impact on someone else’s day. So, always look for ways to help out.

It can start friendships and strengthen the bonds between you and your classmates.

10. Understand Others’ Feelings

Understanding how others feel means really listening and showing that you care.

This is super important for making friends because it makes people feel supported and important.

When you understand others’ feelings, you pay close attention when someone’s happy, sad, or just okay, and you respond with kindness.

For instance, if a classmate is upset about a bad grade, showing understanding might mean saying comforting words or simply being there to listen.

These actions show that you’re a good and reliable friend.

Understanding others’ feelings makes people feel safe and understood around you, which can help friendships become stronger.

Plus, it makes you someone enjoyable to be around because caring for others makes everyone feel better.

So, understanding how others feel is not only kind, but it’s also an awesome way to make new friends and keep them.

11. Partner Up in Class

Partnering up with classmates on projects or assignments gives you the chance to get to know them better and potentially make a cool new friend.

When you partner up in class, you naturally get to talk, share ideas, help each other out, and have fun while getting the work done.

Collaborating towards a common goal, like acing a project, can build a bond and trust between you two.

Plus, when you partner up, you might find shared interests and hobbies, which can lead to awesome friendships outside of class too.

So, don’t be shy about teaming up with classmates – it’s an easy way to get to know someone and make friends without the pressure of making the first move.

12. Use Social Media

Using social media is a great tool for making friends in high school because it lets you connect with classmates outside of class.

It’s pretty easy to find people your age at your school—start by following or adding someone you know a little, like a classmate or someone from your club, and then check out who they’re connected with.

You can also join school-related groups or follow pages where students from your school hang out online.

You can start by liking someone’s post or dropping a friendly comment—it feels less intimidating than walking up to someone in the hallway.

Plus, it can give you a sneak peek into what others are into, like their hobbies or favorite bands, which makes it easier to strike up a conversation when see each other face-to-face.

13. Hang Out in Shared Spaces

Try spending time in popular spots like the library or cafeteria, or hang out where students gather to relax.

These places are where everyone comes to chill or grab a bite, making them perfect for running into people you might not see in your classes.

Just find a spot where it’s cool to join others or start up a game or conversation.

You can meet lots of different students this way, and it’s way less scary than trying to talk to someone out of the blue.

Plus, being in the same space often means you already have school or activities in common, which can naturally lead to friendships.

So next time you have some free time, check out these common areas instead of sticking to the usual spots.

14. Work on Your Confidence

Building your confidence is super important for making friends in high school because it helps you overcome the fear of starting conversations and putting yourself out there.

Think about it—every time you strike up a chat, join a group, or share something about yourself, you’re stepping out of your comfort zone.

And each little step not only makes you braver but also shows others that you’re open and approachable.

Over time, these actions build up your confidence even more, making it easier to meet new people and make friends.

So, start small, maybe with a smile or a quick hello, and watch how these small wins help you grow more confident every day.

15. Build Mutual Respect

Building mutual respect helps you make new friends at school because it shows your classmates that you care about them and their feelings.

When you show respect, others are more likely to notice and appreciate you for it.

Plus, when you respect others, they’re more likely to respect you too.

This makes it easier to build friendships and feel good about the way you connect with others.

16. Be Patient

It takes time to really get to know someone because everyone is unique, so remember to be patient when making friends.

Some people might also feel shy and need a while to feel relaxed and open up around you.

You can start by just saying “hi” and chatting a little each day.

As they get to know you better and see that you’re kind and trustworthy, they might start sharing more with you, and a friendship can grow slowly.

Being patient also means understanding that finding friends who really get you might take some time.

If making a new friend doesn’t work out, don’t be upset—it just means that person wasn’t the right match for you.

Stay positive and keep trying.

Remember, finding great friends is worth the wait, and one day you’ll find people who really appreciate and understand you.

Wrapping Things Up

Making friends in high school can seem hard, especially if you’re shy, but remember, everyone feels a bit nervous about fitting in.

By trying out the 16 tips we’ve discussed, you’re well on your way towards becoming more confident and connected with those around you.

Don’t worry if it takes a little time or if every attempt doesn’t turn into a friendship—every experience is part of your growth.

Thanks for reading this guide, and remember, just by being yourself and reaching out, you’re already making great strides.

Good luck, and enjoy the journey of meeting new friends in high school!