Make New Friends

Believe it or not, moving to a new location creates an opportunity to actively build new relationships. Making friends should not be a problem and you could even consider it to be an adventure. However, for most of us it is an effort! Making new friends will be a good experience if you take the following advice:

Be honest…and be yourself… (Sounds pretty basic but it’s not always so easy!)
Try to join existing groups such as youth groups at the Community Centre, the MFRC, sport clubs, school clubs, etc
Visit the CF Locations section of this site (under development). You’ll find some valuable information like hot spots. You will also find contact information for the youth coordinators. They can help you find youth groups that might be of interest to you.
Be willing to face rejection. You’re going to need to accept the fact that not everyone is going to be nice and friendly. I’m sure that you knew people at the school you’re leaving who were rude and liked to make people feel rotten.
After you move, you might have to change some of your personal habits for a while until you are settled in. This might mean that you need to start attending parties, sports events and special gatherings where youth socialize. Check your community center, school calendar, CF base community centre!
Remember making friends takes time!
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you are alone and trying to figure out how things work at your new school , ask another student for help or contact the youth coordinator at your CF location community center. They can help you out!

Other tips submitted by youth like you!

If you see someone you know in the hallway or on the street, don't be a loser and pretend not to notice the person - say hi! It's the friendly thing to do. Bonus points for greeting the person by name.
Be loquacious, gregarious, chatty, talkative, friendly, outgoing, amiable, neighborly, sociable, easygoing and otherwise chummy… In other words, work on good conversation skills and excel at listening and talking!
Do not be afraid to invite people. For example, invite a student to join you at lunch at the school cafeteria. Even if that person has other plans, she will be flattered by your invitation!
Join clubs. It may take a few meetings before you feel comfortable with the people, but after a while you'll start making new friends.
Offer and give rides.
Study in groups.
Reach out to others when they need help.
Remain open to new cultures, ideas and values.
Throw a party. Include friends of friends!
Let people open up to you slowly. Make sure you are not forcing yourself upon someone.
Having a sense of humor about yourself and your shortcomings can really help.
Being kind, giving compliments, waving to a friend, opening the door for someone.

Get an after-school job where people your age go (wait tables, work in a pizza joint, or music store).