11 Totally Foolproof Ways To Make A Good First Impression

Make a Fresh Connection with Mentos Gum.

1. Don't try too hard.

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They’ll think you’re desperate and waaay overeager. It's a long semester. There will be plenty of time to embarrass yourself later.

2. Don't try too little.

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If you seem shy when you first meet someone, you’ll have to hear them say "I thought you were shy" every time you do something even vaguely outgoing like show up to a party.

3. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

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Nothing wins a person over like showing an interest in their story.

4. That said, make sure you ask the right questions.

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Instead of "How fast can you chug this warm guava juice?", try something like "What classes are you taking this semester?"

5. Don't sweat it if things start off awkward.

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All great friendships have to start somewhere. Mediocre ones, too.

6. Do make an effort to make them feel less awkward.

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Making eye contact is great, but it's like microwaving popcorn. If you do it for too long, smoke starts to billow and the entire dorm is evacuated. Well, sort of.

7. Don't, under any circumstances, point out that the encounter is awkward.

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Even during a silence! It just makes things more awkward.

8. Don't be afraid to talk about yourself.

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They can't like you if they don't know you. But maybe think about ditching the whole keeping your student ID on a lanyard you wear around your neck thing. It's too much.

9. That said, really try not to talk about yourself too much.

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There's more to life than just you...like what classes YOU'RE taking and...those rocks over there?

10. Do an activity to break the ice.

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It's easier to let your guard down when you're focusing on something else. Invite them to grab a bite at the dining hall or chuck rocks or something and get that conversation flowing.

11. Don't overthink it.

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If the fun doesn't come naturally, forcing a friendship probably isn't worth the effort. If they don't want to chuck rocks with you, they can go kick them.

The only way to guarantee that you won't make a friend is to never make a first impression. Grab some Mentos Gum and make sure it's a good one.