5 things to remember when starting at a new school

If the words ‘starting at a new school’ make your stomach flip, you’re not alone. Switching schools can be a daunting experience and can bring up a whole mix of emotions. Here are our top tips for looking after yourself while you make the change.

1. Remember that it takes time to settle in

It might take a while to get used to the new school layout, to remember everyone’s name or to build new routines, and that’s totally normal. Feeling uncertain and missing your old friends is something everyone goes through. Remember that everyone was new at some point, and that it’s okay to ask for help from a teacher or another student. You could even set small goals, like speaking to one new person each day or memorising one day of your timetable each week. Be patient with yourself and remember that building new relationships and patterns takes time.

2. Keep doing the things you like to do

When you’re going through a big change, making time to do what you love will help you to feel more grounded. Whether it’s music, sports, writing, drawing or something else, spending time on your hobbies can reduce stress, boost wellbeing and build self-confidence. Plus, schools have lots of clubs and teams where you can meet people with the same interests, so sign up and get involved!

3. Talk to new people

The thought of putting yourself out there and talking to new people can be daunting. The good thing is that the people at your new school are likely to be curious about you because you’re new. If you’re unsure how to start, pick someone who is sitting on their own. They may be just as eager to meet others as you are. A simple ‘Hey, can I sit with you?’ or ‘Do you want to join me for lunch?’ can open the door to meaningful conversation and a potential new friendship. Don’t worry about being best friends right away – just making small talk can start the process of making connections. For more tips on finding your people, check out our guide to making new friends at school. 

Don’t forget: if you don't have a lot of friends right now, that doesn't mean it'll always be that way or that there’s anything wrong with you. You’re going to meet plenty of people who appreciate you for you, so look at this time as an opportunity to grow, explore new activities and develop your own unique strengths.

4. Stay connected with friends from your old school

Starting at a new school can feel pretty lonely, but you’ve still got your old friends who’ve got your back. Just because you’re not hanging out with them every day now doesn’t mean you can’t stay close to them. Message a mate to check in, and make sure you keep up with the groupchat. You could also set up a group study session or carve out time on weekends to catch up with your old mates. 

Over time, you might find that your friendships evolve when you don’t see old friends as often as you used to. This is a natural part of life. You’ll have tons of different friends throughout your life, and there are things you can do to cope with changing friendships.

5. You can reach out if it gets too much

If all the changes are starting to feel overwhelming, talk to a friend, family member or a professional you trust. Sometimes just chatting with someone outside the situation can help to clear your mind. If you want to chat anonymously with someone who’s been in your shoes, you can book a free PeerChat session or post in the Online Community.