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It’s always important to be yourself when meeting new people, but you still need to put in the effort to make the right first impression. This will help you make new friends, develop good relationships with your roommates, and present yourself in the best light to professors. The good news is there’s nothing too difficult about making a first impression. In fact, you’ll soon find it becomes second nature when you follow these tips.

1. Consider Your Appearance

Although college students tend to dress casually, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to your physical appearance. At the very least, make sure your clothing is clean, free from wrinkles, and undamaged. In addition, always make sure you brush your teeth in the morning — even if you’re rushing to class — and consider showering in the afternoon before going to events or parties. This will show respect toward the people you’re meeting.

2. Give a Firm Handshake

One of the first interactions you’ll have with many people is a handshake. Send a message in this simple gesture by making sure your handshake is firm rather than limp. This is a great way to create a professional appearance.

3. Remember Names

When people tell you their names, it’s important to put conscious effort into remembering. Otherwise, you’ll find you immediately forget. This can be awkward — especially if the other person does remember your name — and can give off the impression that you don’t care.

There are tactics you can use to make sure you remember someone’s name, such as using the name in conversation and associating it with a famous person. Plus, you can always ask people to repeat their names before you say goodbye if you didn’t quite catch what they said the first time.

4. Be Positive in Your Interactions

Enter into every interaction with positivity. This will make people feel comfortable around you, helping you to develop friendships much sooner. Even if you don’t share someone’s views, there’s no need to be impolite. Take the time to listen to others’ ideas — you may learn something new. Besides, with so many people to meet at college, there’s no need to spend time in the future with people whose personalities or opinions clash with your own.

5. Show You’re Listening

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need to be extra talkative to let your personality shine or ensure people you meet know who you are. People will be much more impressed if you listen when they speak. However, you should go beyond simply listening and show enthusiasm for what they say, both through your words and with your body language.

Many students find it tiring to be around other people all day, especially at the start of college when everyone is new and you need to constantly put in the effort to make the right impression. The problem with living in a dorm room is you may rarely have the chance to be alone. A better option is to live in student rentals. Barrie students can move into a five-bedroom suite or townhouse at Arcadian Students. As well as your own bedroom, you’ll have an en suite bathroom, comfortable living room, and kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances. Contact us for information about our leases.