going to a new school alone

I’m starting a new sixth form from September, and I’m really nervous as I’ve not had an open day to see the building, and I’m the only person from my school going to this sixth form. I had to apply late to the sixth form after my first choice let me down. Super cringey but does anyone have tips on how to be approachable etc. i’m worried everyone will already be in groups from their previous schools when i join.

Reply 1

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post by annonymous1000

Hi @annonymous1000

Firstly, your worries are completely normal for your situation and moving to a new place can be intimidating.

I can appreciate your worries about being the only person from your school, but instead of thinking of your new sixth form in a negative way, why not consider it a fresh start?

There will be people who already know each other and have their own groups, but there are no rules to say you can't join them! It might be intimidating and awkward at first, but that's completely normal. And from experience, the awkward stages at the beginning become the things you laugh about later on in the friendship.

I'd suggest being open to everyone and joining in conversation where possible. It might feel awkward to start with, but the more you get chatting to other people, the easier it will become. You never know, there may be other students who are new to the sixth form, and I'm sure even the students already at the school will be nervous about their first few days - so you're all in the same boat.

Best of luck! 🙂
Emily
Student Rep at BCU

Reply 2

emelianiloufar

it's really hard to make friends after the first few weeks as an external student so i'd say just speak to everyone, be friendly + approachable, if you tell ppl youre new they might let you sit w them ect
also in your classes when you do group work talk to others to start a convo
its good you have another person, but make sure you dont only speak to them, branch out
when i joined my sixth form as an external student it was more likely that ppl from the school were already in groups that never changed but the external students were all friends w each other but this may be different ofc