How to Make a Good Impression on Your First Day of College

Congrats on your college admission! You are entering a new period of your life. You may have heard many things about the thrills of college living; now you're excited to get off to a good start. Classically, college is also a time when people find or recreate themselves. Since, as the saying goes, the first impression is the last impression, here are a few tips on how to make a great first impression on first day at your new school.

Preparation for Your First Day

Check out the Fashion on Your Campus

How people dress varies from place to place, culture to culture, and school to school, so I can’t tell you exactly what to wear. Instead my tip is to visit your college before the first day and check out the senior students' style to decide what clothes will both suit you and fit in with campus fashion.

Make Sure You're Presentable

The first thing people will be able to learn about you is how you look.

For males, I suggest looking clean, fresh, and well-shaven. Smile and turn up your charm.

For females, try a unique hairstyle and the latest fashions.

Neatness and distinctiveness are both plus points for standing out from the crowd in a positive way.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Choose shoes from your collection that you feel comfortable in. Then, you will be able to concentrate on the people you are meeting instead of fighting with shoes.

Be Punctual

First thing is to be on time.

Embed Yourself in the New Environment

Act normally and participate in activities going on around you. Don't worry about acting like someone you're not—everyone else there is human and going through the same first-day jitters as yourself.

I have noticed that many students are terrified on their first day. I advise you act normally and do your best to feel pleasant and cheerful about the entire situation.

Act Confident

Self-respect and self-confidence will take you a long way in adjusting to a new place and meeting new people. Remind yourself of the things you have done that make you special. Remembering your self worth will make meeting new friends easier. Of course, self-confidence doesn't mean overconfidence. Acting cocky may push people away rather than drawing them to you.

Be Mature

I suggest you act more mature. Being immature may draw a quick laugh, but being mature will impress your peers and start your college life out on the right foot.

Use Your Smile

The curve of your smile will go a long way toward straightening out any problems on your first day.

Give off Positive Body Language

Your body language is a powerful tool for creating a good first impression on others, but remember not to over-act.

Pleasant facial expressions help put others at ease.

Manners create a collegiate atmosphere—treat both your fellows and your teachers with respect. And while we're speaking of teachers, place yourself in their place and imagine observing yourself from their eyes—it will help you greatly in creating your first impression.

Above all, give your best to every person you meet college.

Treat People Politely

As I've already stated, be polite. Don’t ever treat others like fools; remember that they also have minds and can see your flaws.

Be friendly and try to mingle with those whom you like on first sight.

When you're nervous, it's easy to speak more than is necessary, so try to restrain yourself. Instead, listen to your new friends, learn about their personalities and interests, and engage in conversation.

Be Social

Learn the names of all your teachers and try to meet them and introduce yourself to them personally. This is a tip I tried myself in college, and I can't even find the words to describe hoe much this helped in developing a relationship with my teachers.

Also, get to know your fellow students. One day, you will all be in the workplace—some may be your colleagues and others may be your competition.

Don’t Be a Know-It-all

One mistake I made only first day of college is that I was trying so hard to act smart, I came off as a fool. Don't inflate your ego and act as though you know things others do not. Because of my mistake, I now advise students going to college not to act like know-it-alls.

Be Prepared for Challenges

Sometimes seniors like to tease new students. It depends on the culture of your school.

If this happens to you, face them calmly and don't feel bothered or unconfident. They aren't making fun of you specifically; they're just making fun of the fact that things are new to you. It won't be long before you fall into the swing of things.

Take everything openly and recognize it with open mind. Don’t hype the little troubles that comes with being a new student. Of course, this may not even happen on your campus, but if you are worried about it, it may be best to keep some distance from seniors during the beginning of the semester.

Be Active in the Subject of Your Interest

Check out possible majors. If any catch your interest, pursue it and be active in that department. Discuss that subject with teachers and your fellow students.

If you feel any of your classes are difficult, don't stress. Try the following tips:

• Give it your concentration. Go to a library to study, away from the distractions of roommates and new friends.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. Seek help from your peers and course assistants.
• Make a schedule budgeting extra time for that class. Knowing that you will have enough time to do the work will take a load off of your mind.
• Consider tutoring. Your university may have a tutoring center—go online and see what resources are available.
• Keep calm. Regular exercise, a good diet, full nights of sleep, and mindfulness training such as meditation can help you destress, which will help you concentrate when the time comes to study. Nothing is worth your health, so keep things in perspective.

Don’t Worry

If you feel insecure, give yourself time. Take a deep breath and breathe out your anxiety and prepare yourself for the new challenges. Feeling free of undue stress is the most important thing you can do to prepare for the first day of college life.