The beginning of a new school year is always stressful. It is full of unknown scenarios. Will you  get the teachers you want? Will you have a good schedule? Will you have classes with any of  your friends? What happens if you don’t? What if you are forced to make all new friends? These are just the realities of starting a new school year at a school you’ve already been attending.  Those situations are only exacerbated when you’re going to an all-new school. While certain  things like your schedule are probably out of your control, you can control the friendship situation.

It is never easy to make new friends, but you shouldn’t let the fear of the unknown keep you from  trying! There are plenty of other cool people out there who want to be your friend. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the rough waters of new friendship.

1. Smile

This may seem silly, but smiling is a great way to make new friends. It shows that you’re open to new people.

2. Compliment

I think it’s a great idea to hand out a few well-placed compliments. Let’s say you see the girl sitting next to you in math class wearing an awesome pair of glasses. Tell her!  Something as simple as “Hey, I really love those glasses! Where did you get them?” will be  sufficient. You never know where something so simple can take you. That girl may have felt  super uncomfortable in them, and your compliment could have made her feel better. Plus, if she knows you have something in common, the lines of communication have been opened.

3. Join a club/activity

Do you like playing soccer? Have dreams of making it big? What better way to make new friends than to join a club! You’re definitely going to find like-minded people in the group, and you’ll be doing something you love.

4. Help out

You can volunteer to help out at a school event, or you can offer your services. If you see a fellow student struggling, lend a helping hand. They won’t forget how you went out of your way to help them succeed.

Those are my best tips for making new friends, but you can find other ways as well. The most important thing to remember is to just keep an open mind. You will be surprised at what you get back in return.