Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Make a good first impression
• Method 2 of 3: Make the new student feel at home
• Method 3 of 3: Help with school matters
• Tips
• Warnings

Being new to school is difficult for almost everyone. You are in an unfamiliar environment, surrounded by people you don't know instead of your old friends. If you want to make the new student feel welcome, it is important that you make a good first impression. From there you can show him / her about the new school.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Make a good first impression

1. Greet the new student warmly. Be the first to connect. Your new classmate may feel too nervous to approach others to make friends or ask for help. By being the first to strike up a conversation is letting you know there is no need to worry. Be positive and nice. Try to greet the newcomer early in the school day, this will give you a chance to get to know him / her and get through the day.
   • Introduce yourself by name and make the newcomer feel welcome. For example, you can say, “Hi! My name is Lucy! Nice to meet you. What's your name?"
2. Get to know each other. Find out more about your new classmate by asking questions. Show that you are interested and would like to get to know the other person better. By asking about hobbies and interests you will find out if you have anything in common. You can also suggest doing something after school or introducing your friends.
   • It is best to do this outside of the classroom, for example between classes or during the lunch break. After all, you don't want the new student to get in trouble with the teachers.
   • By asking what the other person liked to do in his / her old school, you can come up with good ideas for what is possible at your school.
3. Also tell something about yourself. Don't be shy about sharing your interests. This can create a bond between you, especially if your interests have in common. It also gives you the chance to suggest after-school activities.
   • Tell a little about yourself when you introduce yourself at the start of the school day. Something as simple as “I play the trombone in the school band” says something about your interests.
   • Tell them the day before if you have any hobbies that require you to meet after school or on the weekend. This way your new classmate will be aware of it in advance, and at the same time it gives you the opportunity to invite him / her to come along.

Method 2 of 3: Make the new student feel at home

1. Make sure the newcomer is sitting next to you. It is easier to help him / her through the day when you are close by in the classroom. Ask the teacher if you can sit next to the new student. As long as you explain that you would like to help, that will probably not be a problem.
2. Suggest to have lunch together. If you are new to school it can be exciting to find a place. Everyone else already knows where they are, and new children often end up alone. Reserve a seat for your new boyfriend or girlfriend and you'll make a great impression.
   • If you usually join your own group of friends, this is a great opportunity to introduce them.
3. Introduce the newbie to your friends. Don't try to take full responsibility for him / her. Introduce him / her to your friends and other classmates. This way friendships can develop for the future and the newcomer will also feel comfortable when you are not there. Maybe your new classmate will find a group that he / she has a good connection with and becomes part of.

Method 3 of 3: Help with school matters

1. Help the new student with the timetable. In addition to the fact that he / she is new at school, the schedule is also completely new. The new student must have a lot of questions about the lessons themselves, where they are held and who the teachers are.
   • If there are resources at your school to help students with their schedules, ask if the newcomer has access to them. If not, try to get it sorted out. For example, many schools provide their students with calendars or a list of events scheduled for that school year.
2. Ask regularly how things are going. The first day is usually very stressful - so check if he / her is doing well. Also offer to help after the first day, and let them know regularly in the first weeks that you are there for him / her.
   • If you wish, you can share your phone number or social media contact information. This gives your new classmate a chance to ask you for help if needed.
3. If you're taking the same classes, be willing to help with homework. Changing schools can be shocking, especially if it happens after the start of the school year. The head of new children is often full of all impressions and information about the school and classmates. If you really want to do something for him / her, offer to do homework together.Take time between classes or during lunch breaks to help.
   • Especially if Dutch is not the native language of your new classmate, it is good to help with homework.

Tips

• Tell the newcomer what's fun about your school. Talk about what you like here and encourage them to get involved too!
• Keep in mind that the new student probably has a lot to do. If he / she doesn't seem interested in being friends with you, it doesn't mean what you do isn't appreciated. Perhaps it is better to step back and give the other person some time before starting out with friendship right away.
• It's a nice idea to invite the newbie to hang out with you and your friends. This way he / she feels welcome and accepted in social activities.
• Don't take control or be bossy. Let the newcomer be who he / she is.
• Treat the newcomer as you would treat your other friends.
• Be aware that the new student can quickly become overwhelmed. If the newcomer appears to be not listening or paying attention, it is probably because he / she is trying to absorb all the new impressions. Don't yell at the newbie. Young children may then start to cry or they may get scared. Stay nice and repeat what you wanted to say slowly.

Warnings

• Keep it fun. You may want to do something nice for the other person, but this is not your job. Welcome the other person because you want to, not because you have to. Be sincere.
• Don't worry if you don't have much in common. Disagreement is just as good! Compare your backgrounds, you never know how differences can bring two people closer together!
• Don't stop the novice from making friends themselves. If he / she decides to befriend your worst enemy, then so be it.
• Try not to be too clingy. If you notice that the other person needs space, give it. When you first meet people, it can be difficult for them to be open with you right away.