Making a Great First Impression at School in Ireland

Starting Your Irish School Journey

So, you’ve landed in Ireland, settled with your host family, and walked through the school gates for the first time. Exciting, right? But also a little nerve-wracking. Making a great first impression is about more than just smiling - it’s about understanding Irish school culture, showing respect, and knowing how to connect with classmates.

In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials: politeness, punctuality, classroom norms, small talk, clubs, online etiquette, and the slang you’ll definitely hear.

👉 Download: Ice-Breaker Ideas for Irish Schools (PDF)

Politeness and Punctuality Matter

In Ireland, being on time shows respect. If class starts at 9am, aim to be in your seat by 8:55. Teachers appreciate it, and it makes you look prepared. A simple “Good morning, sir/miss” when you arrive can go a long way.

Politeness doesn’t have to be formal. A friendly “How’s it going?” is often enough to break the ice with classmates.

💡 Tip: Saying “thanks” frequently (to teachers, lunch staff, even bus drivers) is very Irish.

Classroom Norms You Should Know

Irish classrooms are relaxed compared to some countries, but there are still unspoken rules:

Raise your hand if you want to contribute.
No phones during lessons unless told otherwise.
Bantery humour is common - don’t be surprised if students joke with teachers, but stay respectful.
Uniform pride: Most schools have uniforms. Wear yours neatly; it shows you belong.

Small Talk & Clubs = Instant Friends

The quickest way to make friends? Join a club. Sports (like Gaelic football, rugby, or hockey) and arts (drama, music, debate) are big parts of school life. Even if you’re not sporty, showing up for training or rehearsals gives you ready-made friendship groups.

When it comes to small talk, keep it light:

Ask about weekend plans (“Any craic for the weekend?”).
Mention music or TV - Irish teens love discussing pop culture.
Talk about sports (rugby, football, GAA) even if you’re new to them.

Online Etiquette: WhatsApp & Snapchat

Most Irish school groups organise themselves via WhatsApp chats or Snapchat streaks. Once you’ve exchanged numbers, you’ll be included in group chats for class or sports.

Keep it friendly and positive.
Avoid spamming or sending too many memes before you know the vibe.
Emojis are common - especially the laughing face 😂.

Slang You’ll Actually Hear

Want to sound like you fit right in? Here are some phrases you’ll definitely hear around school:

“What’s the craic?” = How are you? / What’s up?
“Deadly” = Brilliant, really good.
“I’m wrecked” = I’m very tired.
“Grand” = Fine, okay, all good.
“That’s gas” = That’s funny.

👉 Use them naturally - forcing it can sound awkward, but a well-timed “grand” will make you feel at home fast.

Remember: You’re Not Alone

Every international student feels nervous at first. Luckily, Ireland is known for its friendliness. Your host family, local coordinator, and classmates want you to feel welcome.

If you’re unsure, ask questions. People appreciate the effort. And remember - confidence grows with each small conversation.

📌 Key Takeaways

Be polite and punctual - it makes a strong first impression.
Learn classroom norms to avoid awkward moments.
Join clubs and sports for instant social circles.
Get used to online chats - they’re central to teen social life.
Try out some Irish slang to sound more natural.

Explore Student Life Support

Ready to dive deeper into Irish student life? Check out the role of our Student Advisors and the Student Care they provide