How to Make Friends in a New Boarding School

Photo, courtesy of elevatorlady, Flickr. Public domain.

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Being the new kid on the block isn’t easy, especially when you’re going to a new boarding school where kids not only learn together, they live together. When the students and dorm mothers substitute for family, finding buddies takes a thick skin and some creative planning. With a few guidelines, you’ll make friends that will last a lifetime.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Start with a smile. Sure, you’re in a new place with total strangers, but smiling shows the other students that you are warm and approachable. Treat everyone with courtesy and politeness, no matter how stressed out you feel.

Step2

Ask your roommate about her interests and home life. She may be nervous about living with a new student. When you take the initiative to inquire about her pets, hobbies and family, you open the door to communication and a possible friendship.

Step3

Respect your roommate’s space. Keep your side of the room tidy and don’t borrow her belongings without permission. Establishing trust is the first step towards making a lasting friendship.

Step4

Join some extra-curricular clubs. Boarding schools offer a variety of activities to help students fill their after-school hours. Now is the time to sign up for the riding or archery club or join the school’s softball team. Surround yourself with others who share your interests.

Step5

Stop in to talk with your dorm mother after school. As the one person who is familiar with the all students in her care, she can assist you with finding friends that suit your personality.

Step6

Relax. You will make friends. Remember the golden rule of true friendship, “If you want to have a friend, be a friend.” Treat the other students the way you want to be treated and before long, you’ll have close friends.

Tips & Warnings

Try the "one compliment" tactic with everyone you meet. Find one thing to compliment them on, whether it is their hair, a nice skirt, a good grade in History or a win on the tennis court. Just keep it real, you don't want to come off as desperate.

Comments

juswhistlin said

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on 5/2/2008 I'm going to mention the "one compliment" rule to my son. He was new to his boarding school in January, and it took a while to feel a part of things. He's doing much better now... great tip!

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