Questions to Ask a New Student
Welcoming questions designed to help new students feel comfortable, build connections, and integrate into their new academic environment.
1What's your name and where are you from?
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What's your name and where are you from?
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Why this works
Basic introductions help establish connection. This question helps you learn about their background and creates a foundation for conversation.
2What made you choose this school or program?
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What made you choose this school or program?
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Why this works
Understanding their motivation helps you connect with them. This question helps you understand their goals and interests, and shows you care about their decision.
3What are you most excited about starting here?
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What are you most excited about starting here?
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Why this works
Sharing excitement creates positive energy. This question helps you understand what they're looking forward to and creates optimistic conversation.
4What's something you're nervous about or have questions about?
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What's something you're nervous about or have questions about?
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Why this works
Addressing concerns helps them feel supported. This question helps you understand their worries and provides opportunities to offer guidance and reassurance.
5What are your hobbies and interests outside of school?
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What are your hobbies and interests outside of school?
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Why this works
Understanding their interests helps you connect with them. This question helps you find common ground and creates opportunities for friendship.
6What's your favorite subject or area of study?
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What's your favorite subject or area of study?
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Why this works
Understanding their academic interests helps you connect with them. This question helps you understand their passions and creates opportunities for academic discussion.
7What's something you're really good at?
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What's something you're really good at?
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Why this works
Celebrating their strengths builds confidence. This question helps you understand their talents and creates positive conversation about their abilities.
8What's something you'd like to learn or improve?
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What's something you'd like to learn or improve?
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Why this works
Understanding their goals helps you support them. This question helps you understand their aspirations and creates opportunities for encouragement.
9What's your favorite way to spend time with friends?
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What's your favorite way to spend time with friends?
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Why this works
Understanding their social preferences helps you connect with them. This question helps you understand their social style and creates opportunities for friendship.
10What's something you're curious about or want to explore?
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What's something you're curious about or want to explore?
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Why this works
Encouraging curiosity helps them feel engaged. This question helps you understand their interests and creates opportunities for learning and exploration.
11What's your favorite thing about learning?
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What's your favorite thing about learning?
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Why this works
Understanding their learning preferences helps you connect with them. This question helps you understand their approach to education and creates positive conversation.
12What's something you're proud of that you accomplished recently?
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What's something you're proud of that you accomplished recently?
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Why this works
Celebrating achievements builds confidence. This question helps you understand their accomplishments and creates positive conversation about their successes.
13What's your favorite way to relax or unwind?
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What's your favorite way to relax or unwind?
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Why this works
Understanding their relaxation preferences helps you connect with them. This question helps you understand their self-care habits and creates supportive conversation.
14What's something you're looking forward to this semester?
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What's something you're looking forward to this semester?
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Why this works
Sharing future plans creates connection. This question helps you understand their goals and creates optimistic conversation about their academic journey.
15What's your favorite way to study or learn new things?
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What's your favorite way to study or learn new things?
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Why this works
Understanding their learning style helps you support them. This question helps you understand their approach to education and creates opportunities for academic discussion.
16What's something you're grateful for today?
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What's something you're grateful for today?
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Why this works
Cultivating gratitude creates positive energy. This question helps you understand what they value and creates uplifting conversation.
17What's your favorite way to meet new people?
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What's your favorite way to meet new people?
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Why this works
Understanding their social preferences helps you connect with them. This question helps you understand their approach to making friends and creates opportunities for social connection.
18What's something you're excited about learning this year?
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What's something you're excited about learning this year?
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Why this works
Sharing academic excitement creates connection. This question helps you understand their academic interests and creates positive conversation about their educational goals.
19What's your favorite way to celebrate achievements?
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What's your favorite way to celebrate achievements?
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Why this works
Understanding their celebration preferences helps you connect with them. This question helps you understand their values and creates opportunities for positive recognition.
20What's something you'd like to know about this school or program?
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What's something you'd like to know about this school or program?
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Why this works
Addressing their questions helps them feel supported. This question helps you understand their information needs and provides opportunities to offer guidance and support.
New Student Integration Guide
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Student Integration Best Practices
Be Welcoming and Patient
Show genuine interest in the new student and their experiences. Be patient as they adjust to their new environment and ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate you care about their success.
Listen Actively
Give your full attention when the student is speaking. Active listening shows respect and helps you understand their needs and concerns.
Offer Support and Guidance
When appropriate, offer support and guidance. This creates connection and shows that you're available to help them navigate their new environment.
Question Sequences
The Introduction Series
The Interest Discovery Series
Common Pitfalls
Don't Overwhelm Them
Avoid asking too many questions at once. New students may feel overwhelmed if you ask too many questions in a short time.
Avoid Sensitive Topics
Don't ask about personal problems or sensitive topics. Focus on positive, welcoming topics that help them feel comfortable in their new environment.
Don't Ignore Their Responses
Pay attention to their answers and ask follow-up questions. This shows you're listening and care about their experiences.