Need help now?

We don’t provide mental health advice, counselling, or treatment. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact your local community crisis team. You can also reach out to the Indigenous Hope for Wellness Help Line 1-855-242-3310, the Black Youth Helpline 1-833-294-8650, or Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868.

Our website uses cookies to provide a better experience for you. If you wish, you can turn off cookies using your web browser’s privacy functions.

Building a Supportive Network: Tips for Newcomer Students, by Newcomer Students

These resources are designed to support newcomer students as they settle into their school communities. Developed by newcomer students for newcomer students, these resources reflect some of the unique experiences and challenges experienced by newcomer students and provide guidance in transitioning to Canadian schools.

These social media shareables focus on coping strategies for newcomer students, inspired by personal experiences and ideas from other newcomer students. One suggested application of the social media infographics is to post them on your school board’s social media page at the beginning of the school year or on certain dates such as world refugee day.

For information on how you can use these resources, please see the dissemination guide.

Download the complete Building a supportive network bundle (zip file)

Building a supportive network: Strategies for newcomer students, by newcomer students

Supportive network visuals


Join clubs and activities and attend school events - see full description below

1. Join clubs and activities

Join clubs and extracurricular activities to meet people with similar interests.

2. Attend school events

Participate in school events like sports games, dances, and cultural festivals. They are great places to meet new people.


Be open and approachable and start conversations - see full description below

3. Be open and approachable

Smile and make eye contact. This makes it easier for others to approach you.

4. Start conversations

Start conversations with simple questions or compliments. Use basic words if you’re still learning the language.


Ask for help and introduce yourself - see full description below

5. Ask for help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Most people are happy to assist.

6. Introduce yourself

Introduce yourself to new people in a friendly manner.


Join study groups and use social media and school platforms - see full description below

7. Join study groups

Join study groups to combine academic support with socializing.

8. Use social media and school platforms

Use social media or school forums to connect with peers.


Volunteer for school projects and find common interests - see full description below

9. Volunteer for school projects

Volunteer for school events or projects to meet new people.

10. Find common interests

Find and discuss common hobbies or interests.

Supportive network visuals translated into multiple languages

Acknowledgements

We extend our sincere gratitude to all members of the Newcomer Student Working Group for your valuable contributions to these resources:

Abdullah Omar

Angie Coetzee

Cloris Liu

Diya Praveen

Ibtisam Sunehra Khaled

Joyce Ken

Lily Mathews

Mariana Medina

Marie Ange Tchielong

Tony Mbuyi

Yann Fogue Tenoue

Zahra Ahmadi

What can we help you find?