<p>So, I've been at school for a few days now (classes haven't actually started yet, though), and I am an extremely shy person. I haven't really made any friends yet, but everyone else (including other new students) seems to be bonding and getting along really well. Any advice?</p>
<p>really put your self out there. become close to your roomie. what school are you at?</p>
<p>Are you playing a sport? That's a good way to make new friends. If not, clubs, dorm activities, musical groups, etc. If classes haven't started yet, perhaps there will be more students arriving?</p>
<p>I know it's difficult when you're shy, but try to be friendly. Have you talked to your rommate at all? That would be a good start. Once you become friendly with one person, they can sort of help you get to know others. Everyone wants to make new friends, so don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone. It just takes time. Even if it doesn't happen immediately, you'll make friends. As everyone else said, clubs and sports and whatnot are great ways to meet people, so try to participate in as much as you can.</p>
<p>I recommending talking to one of the adult advisors, let them know what you're feeling, and see if they have any school-specific suggestions. That's what adults are for at your school.</p>
<p>It depends what school you're at, but I honestly felt that making friends at NMH was the most natural thing in the world. I think as freshmen we all kind of bonded together in a way that would be hard to do as an incoming sophomore, or something. Also I think that there is a lot to be said about coming to a school where not a lot of people know a lot of people when you first start, because I think I've had an easier time making friends as someone who knew one person really well in the school, than my friends who came to school with a bunch of people they knew from their old school. </p>
<p>My advice: Put yourself out there, but don't try TOO hard. People might be put off if you are overly outgoing on the first day. At the same time, though, be yourself. Be comfortable in being the person you are hoping to be during your time at boarding school.</p>
<p>Alyria: for someone who is shy, those first few days away at school can be enormously difficult, particularly if classes haven't started yet. One of my pups (who isn't particularly shy, but is somewhat quiet and reserved by nature) went to a school where the orientation went on for something like 4 or 5 days before classes started and he felt like things (even social things) didn't really get going until everyone got their regular schedules started.</p>
<p>So my advice to you is to just hang in there. Don't feel like you have to make friends right away or all is lost. There will be plenty of chances to meet people in the coming months, and probably in ways that won't feel so uncomfortable for you (like in classes, clubs, etc.). </p>
<p>In the meantime, just don't shut yourself away (I think this is what people mean when they say "put yourself out there" which otherwise might sound to a shy person as a directive to "prance naked around the campus"); simply go about your business of adjusting to this new life, and as Hellosunshine said, trust yourself, and the rest will come along.</p>