How to Become Popular As a New Kid

Last Updated: November 25, 2019

Are you going to another school and you don't want to be left out just because you're new? Or you want to start fresh. If you answered "yes", this article may be able to help you.

Part 1

Part 1 of 6:
Preparing Ten Weeks Before

1
Focus on being a healthy weight. Weight is one of the first things people notice about you and can be an indicator of your health. You can try to get to a healthy weight for your age, just check your BMI online or ask your parents. Focus on eating healthy and getting enough exerise. Do not diet in secret as this can lead to eating disorders.
- If you feel you have a problem with your eating such as binge eating, purging or starving yourself, see a doctor. Eating disorders are not trendy or cool, but serious mental illnesses.
- Don't compare yourself with others. Many factors can affect weight such as height and age.
- Exercise can also build confidence and release endorphins in your body which are "feel-good" hormones.
2
Begin saving money for new clothes and school supplies. If you aren't one who has much money, try going to a consignment shop. Choose clothes that you like and feel comfortable wearing. You could follow trends or you could wear the type of clothes you like and start a trend.
- Come prepared with school supplies such as stationary so you don't have to borrow off others.
- You could also try earning extra money.

Part 2

Part 2 of 6:
Preparing Five Weeks Before

1
Break any habits that may cause someone to judge you. Bite your nails? Chew your hair? Stop; people might look down on you.
- The best way to break habits such as chewing your hair is to replace them with something else such as chewing gum.
- Some habits such as self-harm may need a doctor's assistance. If you have a potentially dangerous habit, speak to someone about it.
2
Get your hair done. Usually the salon will have magazines for you to look at, so find one that you like and think suits you. If you like your hair the way it is, get a trim. It makes your hair look more healthy, sparkly and pretty.
- You could ask your parents if you could dye your hair if that's what you want.

Part 3

Part 3 of 6:
Preparing One Week Before

1
Go shopping! Take the money you have saved up and go to different stores. Look for shops which sell cool but cheap clothes. Choose clothes which you genuinely like, not what you think others will like. If your new school allows it, you can buy makeup and nail polish, too.
2
Come up with interesting things to talk about with the kids at your new school. It might be a TV show, a popular movie, hit song, or even bestselling book. Read newspapers, magazines, blogs, watch TV, listen to music, rent a movie, all that good stuff to get conversation starters.
- Look into things you genuinely enjoy. That way you can speak to people with similar interests.
3
Consider getting a manicure or pedicure. Having your nails done can be a simple way to boost your confidence. It might also give you some compliments.

Part 4

Part 4 of 6:
Preparing the Day Before

1
Lay out your awesome new clothes and school supplies so you'll be ready to go in the morning. Choose what you will wear and bring with you in advance so you don't have to worry about it in the morning.
2
Plan out how you'll do your hair, makeup, etc. For example if you want your hair wavy you might plait it the night before.
- Don't stress about it too much. It really isn't a big deal.
3
Get to bed on time. That way you will get enough sleep so you feel awake for the next day.
- The average teen should get 8-10 hours sleep a night.

Part 5

Part 5 of 6:
Making a Good Impression on First Day of School

1
Breathe. You're going to a new school that may or may not be similar to your old one, not a prison. You're bound to find someone who is willing to be your friend.
2
Do not be late. Nothing creates a bad first impression more than this, on both your teachers and classmates.
- Plan your mode of transport beforehand. If you are taking public transport, check the timetables the day before so you know when to leave the house.
- It's a good idea to be roughly 15 minutes early.
3
Stand up confidently and introduce yourself when your teacher announces you to the class. If they want you to tell something about yourself, briefly outline your life.
- Keep thing simple. Don't ramble on about yourself for too long.
- An easy way to introduce yourself us by saying your name and what school you went to previously. You could also mention a fun fact about yourself that people are likely to remember.
- Mention that you are looking forward to being a part of the new school, this can create a good impression.
4
Socialize with everyone between classes and at lunch. This gets everyone to like you, not just one group.
- Don't be too overly-zealous. You may appear as clingy. Remember the 40/60 rule. In a two-person conversation you should talk 40% of the time and listen 60% of the time.
5
Join extracurriculars such as clubs and sports. Doing this will help you to find people who have similar interests.
- You could also take initiative and start your own club.
6
Listen to music in the morning to get you pumped up and feel like you're ready to take on anything.

Part 6

Part 6 of 6:
Keeping it Up After the First Day

1
Continue to be social. Don't only interact with the "popular" kids, but with everyone, including the shy kids. Contribute well in group or partner projects.
- Don't fake your kindness for popularity, take a genuine interest in others. Do things for others, not just yourself.
2
Invite someone over to your house as soon after you have their phone number. By doing this you will strengthen your friendship. You could also ask if they would like to meet with you somewhere else, such as a cafe, shop or park, this is an ideal option if whoever you live with doesn't like visitors.
3
Ask people for their phone number, e-mail address or name on social media. They'll get a chance to see pictures of you and your old friends. It also gives you a chance to communicate with them outside of school.
4
Friend request people on social media you met during the day, look at their profiles and learn who is friends with who.
5
Congratulate yourself. You've made it.

Warnings

Do not be giving anyone bad looks. The girl you might have rolled your eyes at might have been someone who can make your school days pretty bad.

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Don't be a major flirt right away. People might talk badly about you. Only flirt with someone you are interested in, you don't want to lead someone on or play with their feelings.

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The social setup of each school is different so things might work differently in different schools.

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Don't mimic anyone. You will come off as a poser and your chances of popularity are gone. It is okay to get inspiration off others but don't become their exact double.

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