Join Clubs and Groups
Connecting with people who share similar interests offers another effective way to break the ice, TeenGrowth advises. By joining after-school, music or sports clubs, it's possible to form lasting friendships with people who share the same common goals and values. Service clubs and church youth groups provide another ideal starting point.
Keep the Possibilities Open
Staying open to new opportunities is vital to meeting new friends and healthier than trying to keep older relationships from previous grades, note the producers of PBS's high school documentary series, "It's My Life." Hanging out with people who share similar schedules also opens more possibilities.
Get Adult Support
Making friends isn't an overnight process. To get some perspective, talk with a trusted adult---such as a coach, counselor, relative or teacher---who can discuss how they navigated the same challenges while they were in high school themselves.