MAKING FRIENDS & SOCIAL LIFE

In this section, you will learn:

• How to make friends faster (even if you’re shy)

• Simple conversation starters that actually work

• How Canadian teens hang out and what social life is really like

“Yes, making friends feels scary. No, you’re not the only one.”

Almost every international student who arrives in Canada thinks the same thing at first:

“What if I can’t make friends?”

“What if everyone already knows each other?”

“What if I end up alone?”

But here’s the truth: EVERYONE is nervous in the beginning. Both Canadian students and exchange students feel the exact same way during the first week.

This section will make that first step SO much easier 

Feeling Alone at First Is 100% NORMAL 😔➡️😊💙

In the first few days:

• You don’t know where to sit

• You don’t know anyone in your classes

• You’re scared to talk

• You feel like everyone already has friends

But give it 2–3 weeks. Everything starts falling into place naturally.

How to Actually Make Friends (the methods that WORK)🫂

✔ Smile + a small “hi”

Yes, it’s that simple. A small “Hey, what’s your name?” goes a LONG way in Canada.

✔ Join a club easiest friend-making method

Real friendships start in:

• Volleyball

• Drama

• Choir

• Art club

• Photography

• Rugby

• Volunteer club

A single club = an instant friend group.

✔ Group projects = friendship starter pack

You HAVE to talk to people during group work.And surprisingly, this is where many strong friendships begin.

✔ Sit with people when the chance comes

If someone offers you a seat or asks a question, that’s an invitation.Just say yes.

“But what do I say?” EASY conversation starters

You don’t need anything fancy.These simple sentences are enough:

• “Where are you from?”

• “What class do you have next?”

• “Do you know what we’re doing in this class?”

• “Your hoodie is nice, where is it from?”

• “Are you joining any clubs this year?”

• “What grade are you in?”

Canadians are SO friendly they’ll keep the conversation going.

 Understanding Canadian Social Culture 🧠🤝🇨🇦

This is the part everyone loves:

• People don’t judge accents

• No one makes fun of you

• People include others naturally

• Being shy is normal

• Everyone is respectful

• No toxic “cool kid” culture

• You can join any friend group

It’s a very welcoming environment.

Weekend Plans How Teens Actually Hang Out 📅👫🎮🍕✨

Canadians usually do simple, cozy activities like:

• Going to the mall

• Sitting in Starbucks

• Bowling

• Thrift shopping

• Movie nights

• Walking around downtown

• Beach hangouts (VERY common)

• School sports games

Nothing crazy, just relaxed, fun, social time.

REAL TALK 🗣️

Friendships won’t happen overnight. But they WILL happen.

Every student goes through the same timeline:

• Week 1 → confusion & shyness

• Week 2 → familiar faces

• Week 3 → people start inviting you

• Week 4 → you start feeling like you belong

Exchange students especially bond VERY easily because everyone is experiencing the same challenges.

FINAL TIP 🎯

Don’t wait for people to approach you. One small sentence from YOU is enough to start everything.