As teenagers, our friendships are often the most important things in our lives. For this reason, switching schools - and social groups - can be very challenging.

With so many families on the move these days, many young people have to face the realities of a mobile way of life. How can you establish a friend base at your new school?

Imagine you are trying to sell YOU to other people. How would you do it? You'd want YOU to be as attractive as possible, right? Think about what attracts you to other people - and take note!

These tips will help you secure a positive first impression:

Present yourself well on the first day of school. Show up to class wearing your favorite clothes, your lucky charm bracelet or whatever makes you look and feel like a rockstar.

Carry yourself with confidence. Display positive body language. Stand up straight, look ahead of you as you walk, look others in the eye. Don't slump, don't shuffle along, don't succumb to annoying habits such as biting your nails. This is all about giving off a positive vibe and letting people know you have a great personality!

Last, but certainly not least, smile! It's OK to be shy, as long as everyone knows how friendly you are. Smiling is the number one way to win people over. Psychological studies have proven this to be true. So do it to everyone! Smile, smile, smile. This is a tried and true tactic, I promise!

When making new friends, it is crucial to give off a confident, positive vibe. Other students will read your body language and feel your energy, and you definitely want that first impression to wow them!

Approach your new classmates with a big smile and an open mind. This is a chance to meet new people, make new friends and start fresh! Think of all of the advantages to starting a new life:

You are a clean slate. This is an opportunity for a new you! Keep this in mind: the new people don't know any of the annoying nicknames your old buddies gave you or whether you dated so-and-so.

You control the image your new friends have of you. You can show them whatever you want to about yourself. Take advantage and make a good, lasting first impression. If you're feeling confident and courageous, introduce yourself to the other students. Meet their gaze and tell them your name. Having the self-assurance to let people know who you are will pay off big time when building relationships.

Choose your own friends! Think of your situation as a powerful one. You have had friends in the past and know what you want... so go for it! You can choose who your new friends will be. At this point, you don't have to follow any stereotypes or prove your loyalty to anyone. You're free to hang out with whomever you like!

Being placed in a new and unfamiliar environment is a test of your ability to adapt and fend for yourself. Yet you can also think of it as an opportunity for change and growth, a step to becoming a wiser and stronger person. A wiser and stronger person with lots of friends, that is!

Making new friends is easier said than done for most people. While saying goodbye to old friends is certainly a sad and difficult process, having to find a new circle of friends at school is like being thrown to the wolves!

Just remember these tips:

Don't fall prey to any nervous or destructive thoughts running through your mind. They are not helpful and will just make you feel bad. Don't let your inner boogeyman take over by making you feel like you're not good enough!

Catch yourself thinking negative thoughts. Actively correct your self-destructive thoughts as soon as you notice them. If you hear the little voices in your head say something to the effect of "I'm just not as pretty as that girl," redirect that thought to reflect on the positive, such as "I look so good today, she's got nothing on me!"

A positive outlook and demeanor will make all the difference. Everyone responds well to happy people. When you feel confident, you are more attractive - it's practically a law of nature.

Allow yourself to feel good in your own shoes. Focus on what you like best about yourself and why you know everyone will love you!

Having to leave your friends behind is tragic, but making new ones can be fun and exciting.

To all the kids out there who are anticipating heading off to a new school this summer: these may be stressful times, but with a little courage and an open mind, you can turn the situation around in your favor! If you step up and make the effort, you can turn a stressful challenge into a positive life change. Introduce the new, self-confident YOU to the other people at your school and you will feel stronger, more self-assured and even... gasp! ...popular!