Starting high school means facing new friends, a new environment, and fresh experiences – and that can be a lot for first-year students to handle.
When I transferred schools, I was anxious about making new connections and adapting to a new setting. Just like those first days of elementary school, high school orientation can feel a bit awkward and nerve-wracking, especially when you’re hoping to avoid having to introduce yourself to everyone.
Although icebreakers might seem daunting at first, they often become enjoyable once you get the hang of them. Knowing that everyone else is just as unsure and engaging in simple, no-pressure conversations can help everyone feel more at ease.
Icebreakers are an essential tool for student affairs professionals, so we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 30 icebreaker activities to revitalize your high school lessons, events, RA training, and more!
Ready to get started? Here’s a guide to helping students connect in 30 unique ways!
Icebreaker Ideas:
- Train Wreck
Arrange chairs in a circle. Everyone sits down and removes their shoes or another marker to indicate their spot. The orientation leader picks a random student’s marker to move, and that student introduces themselves and shares something about themselves. If the statement applies to anyone else, those people must move to a new seat. The leader can call out “train wreck!” at any time, causing everyone to switch seats. - Human Knot
Form a circle with everyone holding hands with two people across from them. Without letting go, the group must untangle themselves into a circle. - Sing-Off
Split into teams. Each team takes turns singing a song with a given word in the title. If a team repeats a song or skips their turn, they are out. The last team standing wins. - Alliterative Name Game
Stand in a circle and choose a theme. Each person introduces themselves with a word starting with the same letter as their name. The next person repeats the previous statements and adds their own. This continues until everyone has participated. - Beach Ball
Write getting-to-know-you questions on a beach ball. Toss it around, and when someone catches it, they answer the question closest to their left thumb. - Pterodactyl
In a circle, players try to say “pterodactyl” to the person on their right while keeping their teeth covered. If someone shows their teeth or makes a mistake, they’re out. - Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament
Play a series of rock-paper-scissors matches. Losers become cheerleaders for the winners. The last two players compete for the final win. - Telephone Charades
Form two lines. The end students receive a prompt to act out. Each student taps the person in front and acts out the prompt until it reaches the end of the line. The last person guesses the original prompt. - Chainlink
Introduce yourself and share something you like. If someone else shares a similar interest, they link arms with you and introduce themselves. The chain continues until everyone is linked. - Supermarket
In two teams, players name items starting with a given letter. The first person to name an item wins and moves to the end of their line. The game continues until one team is eliminated. - Moving Scenery
Prepare scene prompts. Divide into teams, and each person takes on a role in the scene. Once everyone is in position, the scene comes to life. - Zip, Zap, Zop
In a circle, say “zip,” “zap,” or “zop” in sequence, pointing to others. If someone hesitates or makes a mistake, they’re out. - This or That
Read statements, and students choose sides of the room based on their preferences. - Birthday Boggle
Line up according to birthdays in silence. Alternatively, use names or other categories. - Two Truths and a Lie
Share two truths and a lie. Others guess which is the lie. Rotate turns until everyone has had a chance. - I Chose This College Because…
Form a circle and each person explains why they chose the college or their major. This works well with smaller groups. - Sentence Completion
Give each student a sentence to complete. Share responses in small groups, then switch groups. - Comic Chaos
Use comic strips with frames equal to the number of students. Form groups based on comic frames and arrange them in order. - Marshmallow Challenge
Groups build the tallest or most creative structure using marshmallows and toothpicks. The leader judges the best tower. - Giant Map
Create a world map on the floor. Each student stands in their country or region of origin. - 72 Seconds of Fun
Meet as many peers as possible in 72 seconds. Set guidelines for what to learn. - Poker Hand
Hand out cards. Find others to form the best poker hand. Use a PowerPoint slide to show poker rules. - Pat on the Back
Draw hand outlines, tape them to backs, and write positive notes on each person’s hand. - First-Years’ Got Talent
Introduce yourself and showcase a special skill or talent. This can be part of a talent show. - Fill in Their Blank
Write fill-in-the-blank sentences. Draw responses from a bowl and complete them aloud. - Social Bingo
Create bingo cards with personal experiences. Find people who match the descriptions to complete the card. - Pop a Question
Prepare questions inside balloons. Pop balloons to reveal and answer the questions. Consider foam earplugs for noise sensitivity. - Questions Only
In pairs, converse using only questions. If someone fails, they’re out. Continue until one team remains. - Blindfolded Polygon
Form a shape with a rope while blindfolded. Check the shape when the group believes they’ve succeeded. - Where Were You When…?
Share what you were doing at a specific past event or date.
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