High school can be an intimidating place, especially when it comes to making new friends. For some, building new connections seems like a daunting task. However, there are many strategies that can help you create lasting friendships in high school. Here are 17 ways you can make new friends and thrive during your high school years:

1. Be approachable: Smile and maintain open body language to show people that you’re friendly and ready for conversation.

2. Join clubs or organizations: Participate in extracurricular activities that interest you to meet like-minded individuals.

3. Volunteer: Give back to your community while meeting other students with similar values.

4. Talk to classmates before and after class: Strike up conversations with your peers and get to know them better.

5. Attend school events: Go to sporting events, theater productions, or dances where you can mingle and meet people.

6. Be a good listener: Show genuine interest in what others have to say by actively listening and asking questions about their thoughts or experiences.

7. Share your interests: Talk openly about your passions and see if there is common ground for new connections.

8. Be positive and engaging: Maintain an optimistic attitude and try not to dominate the conversation with negative topics.

9. Start a study group: Collaborate with classmates on homework assignments or test preparations, at the same time foster relationships.

10. Introduce yourself to new people: Don’t be afraid to initiate contact with someone who looks interesting or friendly.

11. Build friendships over social media: Connect with your classmates online through mutual interests or funny memes.

12. Help others with their problems: Offer support or advice when someone is facing a difficult situation, which fosters trust and creates stronger bonds.

13. Attend class trips or retreats: Spend extra time bonding with classmates during these off-campus outings.

14. Engage in after-school activities: Stay after school for fun events or just spend time with your peers in the hallways after classes.

15. Compliment people genuinely: A kind word can create an instant connection, so don’t hesitate to express your appreciation or admiration for others.

16. Be willing to step outside of your comfort zone: Take risks like engaging in new hobbies or striking up conversations with people you might not normally approach.

17. Be yourself: Authenticity is key, as you’ll make friends who appreciate you for who you are, rather than feeling pressured to fit specific molds.

Remember, it’s essential to remain open-minded and patient while building friendships. Each connection takes time to develop, but with a little effort and persistence, you’ll be making new friends in high school in no time.