Approach in Class
Thirty easy ways to approach someone in class, so you find study friends and feel more at home.
Classmates want friends too. Study ties become friendship.
30 tips that really help
These ideas come from How to Win Friends and Influence People (Dale Carnegie), The Like Switch (Jack Schafer), The Charisma Myth (Olivia Fox Cabane), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why class friends matter
You share a goal and a weekly routine, so friendship grows naturally. Study partners help marks and mood.
Start.
Sit near others
Choose a seat close to classmates. Distance blocks hellos.
Sit close.
Arrive a few minutes early
Early arrivals chat before class. Use that time.
Come early.
Say hello to the person next to you
A quick hello is easy. Smile and ask a name.
Say hi.
Ask about the homework
Did you understand that part? Study talk is easy.
Ask it.
Ask about the teacher
What do you think of the class so far? Shared topic.
Ask it.
Offer to share notes
Offer to share your notes with a classmate, because generous sharing helps both of you learn.
Offer it.
Suggest a study session
Want to study together before the test? Natural.
Suggest it.
Join a study group
Join a study group, because groups share the load and a friendly invite is easy to accept.
Join one.
Use group chat
Join the class chat and add a friendly message. Present.
Join in.
Meet outside class
Coffee after class turns study ties into friendship. Casual.
Meet up.
Remember names
Write down classmates’ names after you hear them, because remembering names shows you value people.
Remember.
Script: asking
Did you understand that last part? Say it lightly.
Use it.
Script: offering
Want to study together before the test? Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: sharing
I can share my notes if that helps. Say it kindly.
Use it.
Script: name
What is your name, by the way? Say it with a smile.
Use it.
Script: closing
See you next class, take care. Say it gladly.
Use it.
Mistake: waiting for them to start
Everyone waits for someone else to start, so be brave and go first with a simple hello.
Start it.
Mistake: only talking about grades
Add light chat too, so ask about life.
Add personal.
Mistake: copying work
Copying work harms trust, so study together fairly and share ideas rather than answers.
Be fair.
Mistake: sitting alone every time
Sitting alone every time limits you, so change seats sometimes and meet different classmates.
Change seats.
Mistake: ignoring quiet classmates
Quiet people need friends too, so include them.
Include them.
Troubleshoot: when you are new
Say, I am new here, can you help me? People enjoy helping.
Ask for help.
Troubleshoot: when classes are online
Use the chat and breakout rooms. Say hi.
Say hi online.
Troubleshoot: when groups are formed
Ask to join politely. Many welcome more.
Ask to join.
Troubleshoot: when you are older than others
Share your experience kindly. Age adds value.
Be warm.
Troubleshoot: when you feel shy
Start with a smile and one easy question. Small.
Start small.
Drill: say hello in class
Say hello to one new classmate this week. Do it.
Try it.
Drill: propose a study session
Suggest one study session. Pick a time.
Propose.
Drill: join one group chat
Join the class group and post one message. Present.
Post.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.
“Did you understand that part?”
“Want to study together?”
“Can I borrow a pen?”
“What is your name?”
“Thanks for your notes.”
“See you next class.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Sit near others
Say hello
Ask about the work
Offer to study
Share notes
Meet outside class
Keep in touch
Further reading
- How to Win Friends and Influence People (Dale Carnegie)
- The Like Switch (Jack Schafer)
- The Charisma Myth (Olivia Fox Cabane)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
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Start freeThese lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.
More lessons in “How to Approach Someone”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Approach at WorkNext: Approach at the Gym →
- What You Are Really Afraid Of
- Most People Are Glad You Spoke First
- The Spotlight Effect at Parties
- A Rejection Is Rarely What You Imagine
- Why Waiting Makes It Harder
- Reframe Approaching as Being Kind
- The Worst Realistic Outcome Is Small
- Spot Open and Closed Signals
- The Right Moment to Say Hello
- Approach Alone, Pairs and Groups Differently
- What to Do When They Look Busy
- Wait for the Natural Pause
- Notice Who Is Standing Alone
- Be Respectful if It Is Not the Time
- Smile Before You Speak
- Walk Over at an Angle, Not Straight On
- Keep Open and Relaxed Posture
- The Friendly Introduction Handshake
- Eye Contact That Feels Warm
- Say Your Name With a Smile
- Do Not Hover: Commit to Hello
- Comment on the Shared Situation
- Ask for a Small Opinion
- Give a Genuine Compliment
- Ask for a Small Favour
- Introduce Yourself Simply
- The Question That Starts Any Chat
- Use Humour Lightly
- Approach at a Party
- Approach at Work
- Approach in Class
- Approach at the Gym
- Approach Online First
- Approach a Neighbour
- Keep the Chat Going for One More Minute
- Exit Gracefully if It Is Not Clicking
- Suggest Meeting Again Casually
- Handle a Cool Reception Without Hurt
- Reflect and Learn After Each Approach
- Practise Approaching Every Week
