A new school year gives one the feeling of opening a fresh notebook – new pages to write new things on. It provides an opportunity for one's life to be redefined, with new goals put in place, and most importantly, making new friends.

For most students, especially introverted ones or freshmen, the very idea of approaching new people is intimidating. The threat of rejection, awkward silences, or just not knowing what to say is daunting. Yet, it does not need to be such an overwhelming task when building connections with people. Considering a few quite simple and practical means will enable you to build real friendships without hustle and in a quite natural way.

This article will review some non-cringey ways to get connected, from finding clubs and activities that fit to how to make casual conversations work for you. Are you a nervous freshman looking for your crowd, or are you a senior wanting to expand your social circle? Here's how to get the most out of your high school experience with confidence.

Get Involved: Join Clubs and Activities

One of the best ways to meet people is through clubs, sporting teams, and other extracurricular activities. Sometimes it is quite easy to chat and make friends when you are working with others with a mutual interest. Whether it be art, science, debate, dance, or almost anything else, there is likely something going on at your school that you can join. The best thing about such groups is that they provide a structured approach where interactions can take place without the stress of having to create conversation out of nothing.

Extracurricular activities will provide you with a chance to meet new people, but more importantly, to feel part of something and make your school life just a little more fun. It is much easier to get through the day if you know you have something to look forward to after classes. Being part of a club or team will boost your confidence when you can feel that you are contributing to something bigger than yourself.

Tip: Don't join a club or activity just so you can put it on your resume-participate. Attend meetings regularly, participate in events, and accept responsibilities whenever possible. The more involved you are, the greater your potential to connect with others. Leadership roles carry even greater potential to help you stand out and make others feel more comfortable approaching you.

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Use Casual Conversations

You really do not need to make some grand gesture in order to forge new friendships. Many times, it is the most basic and mundane conversations that become the strongest relationships. Each day is filled with opportunities for communicating with others: you could sit next to a person in class, stand in line at the cafeteria, or wait for the bus. These would probably be among the most regular moments and would provide a very good time to start talking. Unimportant as it may seem, icebreakers really start with small talk. A comment on the class, the weather, or even the lunch menu can get the door open; the critical issue is to make yourself accessible and show an interest in the other person. People generally like one who takes the time to stop and talk with them-even if it is only a little.

Conversation Starters:

-"That last assignment was tough! How did you find it?" -"Are you going to the game this Friday?" -"I noticed you're reading [book title]. How are you finding it?"

These simple questions can help you find common ground with someone new. Once the conversation starts flowing, you can build on it by asking more about their interests or sharing your own thoughts. Pro Tip: Remember, listening is as important as talking. Be sure to pay attention to what the other individual says and respond thoughtfully. Active listening shows that you are interested in getting to know them, and this could make all the difference.

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Use Social Media Wisely

Social media can be a helpful way to connect with people, especially in today's digital age. If you happen to be one of those who can't connect face-to-face, it is a lot easier to get a conversation going online. Websites like Instagram and Snapchat, or even online forums at your school, could provide a low-pressure place to connect with peers. Start off with commenting on a classmate's post, reacting to their story, or sending a friendly message. Sometimes, these little things make it easy for you to get a good impression with them online before you transition into personal conversations. But again, knowing how to use social media is key, as too much eagerness or overbearingness gives a feeling of untruthfulness.

Tip: Be yourself online, too. Share the things that you find interesting and participate using your own voice. If available, be an active participant in any online school forums or group chats. You might make new friends online, get information on upcoming happenings around your school, and even plan times to meet in person. Social media can be such a powerful connecting tool, but one has to know how to use it. Know your balance, and remember, your ultimate aim is to build real relationships, not likes or followers.

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Loving the Power of Small Gestures

Sometimes, it's the little things in life that make a big difference. A smile, a compliment, or even a hello goes a long way to make a person feel noticed and appreciated. These little acts of kindness have the potential effect of making you stand out in a very positive manner, thus encouraging other people to approach you. It's never difficult to be hospitable with simple behaviors: holding the door open for a person, offering to share your notes from a class you attended and they didn't, or giving a peer kudos after he or she finishes a presentation in class. These kinds of behaviors take very little effort but go a long way in causing others to view you as nice and approachable. Examples: -Complimenting a peer on their outfit or hairstyle. -You can help a person who looks lost get around the school. You can share a funny meme or a video that reminded you of your conversation with someone.

These things may sound minute but are often remembered for a long period of time and may even create the path to further interactions.

Tip: Consistency with small gestures will have others view you as kind and approachable. In time, this may blossom into a desire by more people to befriend you because they know you're truly caring and considerate.

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Be Yourself and Stay Authentic

Perhaps the most important thing to consider when making new friends is just being yourself. Sometimes, one may be tempted to try to fit into a mold or act like someone else so that others will like them. This method tends to bring only superficial connections that do not usually last. The first way to build more genuine, longer-lasting friendships is through authenticity. People will be able to connect with you a lot more once they can realize that you are real and being true to yourself. Changing who you are in order to fit in with any certain group may work for short-term scenarios but is unlikely to lead to meaningful relationships.

Point: Everyone is not going to click with you, and that's just fine. It's all about not trying to be everyone's buddy, just finding people who like you for you. That means to say: focus on the quality, not quantity. A few real friends who know and support you are far more valuable than a large group of casual acquaintances.

Reflection: Consider what kind of friends you want to have and what kinds of qualities you'd like in a friend. The more specific you are about what you want, the more you will attract people who share your values and interests. Image Credit: Jed Villejo from Unsplash

It doesn't have to feel like such a daunting task to make new friends at the start of the school year. Through activity involvement, casual conversation starters, responsible social media use, paying attention to small gestures, and just being yourself, the process of making friends is quite easy. Remember: you are all in the same boat-developing new friendships while finding yourselves.

If you take these few tips into consideration, you're on your way toward one new year filled with new friends and countless memories. It is all about connecting, knowing, and sharing. You will find that the process of making friends will not only be possible but also quite enjoyable if you are open, genuine, and proactive. So take the initiative now and start forging those friendships that will make this school year truly unforgettable.