Meeting new people

Meeting new people

An image of four school pupils and a teacher sitting in a computer lab. The teacher is helping the pupil on the far left and the two pupils on the right hand side and talking to each other. The other pupil is looking at their screen.

FEELING WORRIED ABOUT MEETING NEW PEOPLE AT SCHOOL?

You’re not alone.

For a lot of us, meeting new people isn’t easy. It can be scary to go up to someone you don’t know. You might feel shy. You might worry that they won’t understand you or that you won’t fit in.

But it’s important to remember that when we feel like this is normal. You might never know it, but other people will be feeling the same – even if they come across as super confident. So don’t worry if you feel nervous about meeting new people – it’s completely natural!

advice from other pupils

Here is some advice if you feel anxious about meeting new people at school:

  1. If you find it hard to approach new people at school, remember you’re not the only one.


    “There’s always a bit of anxiety for anyone when approaching new people. Starting a conversation can be hard. Try to find common ground by talking about things you know the other person likes too – like a TV show or music.”

  2. When you’re talking to someone and you find it hard to work out how they’re feeling, it’s ok to ask them.


    “For those of us having problems, reading social cues and understanding figures of speech, body language, hand gestures and facial expressions can be very complicated and challenging.”

  3. Your school should help you find the support that’s right for you.


    “My school had a ‘base’ which was a place for pupils with sensory issues and disabilities, we could socialise there during breaks. It really helped with my issues.”

  4. If you are experiencing bullying, tell someone.


    “Definitely talk to someone. It’s the best thing that you can do.”

  5. Joining a group or a club can help.


    “Hanging out with people who are into the same things as you can be a good way to make friends.”

Remember, if you are finding making friends really hard, there are people who will listen and help you. Find someone you trust – it could be a teacher or a family member – and tell them how you’re feeling.

Reach
Advice about
support
at school

More advice

An image consisting of a school pupil leaning their head on their right hand. The background is black with a pattern of white arrows which are all different sizes pointing to the right.

Advice

Changing or Leaving School

Moving from primary to secondary school

In this section Advice Help in School Relationships Changing or Leaving School Missing School It can feel like a big change when moving from primary to secondary school. The school…

An image of a young person standing and looking to the right and holding their left arm with their right hand. The image of the young person is in colour. The background scene behind them is greyscale and has three other young people who are pointing and laughing.

Advice

Relationships

Bullying

Bullying can take on different forms and happen anywhere. Read more about what that behaviour may look like.

An image of a young person sitting at a desk writing in a notepad. They are wearing headphones/noise cancellers and there are also a pair of glasses and a laptop on the desk. The background of the image is a gradient of light blue at the bottom to dark blue at the top. The Reach Your Say icon also features to the left of the young person. This icon in a light blue letter C with a smiling face at the centre of it and lines coming from it that denote having your say.

Advice

Help in School

Your Say: life at school with autism

Your Say: Hear from Jordan who shares their experience of school with autism.