How to Make a Good Impression on Your Peers and Teachers in College and How to Start Making Friends

I am in my first year of college, granted I go to a technical college, my impression still counts. I did end up going to a school in a neighboring city, where I didn't know many people, and didn't have a lot of friends. I have learned in my year of school already how to casually and easily make friends and meet new people. I have made up a simple list of things that can help you make the first move to becoming well known.

Smile- it's human nature that when someone smiles at you, you smile back, right? Of course it is, if you keep smiling at people and showing them that you are a kind caring person, you will get your first slab of respect. Plus, when you smile it gives you the look of "hey I'm really easy to talk to", so that will cause a lot of people to try and get to know you. The more people that know you and think your a cool person, the cooler you will be. Don't smile too much though, people might start saying things about your metality if you do.

Participate in class discussions, even you if you don't grasp the concept of the conversation- This is essential, humans like to be surrounded by smart people, because mostly it makes them feel smarter. If you at least attempt to argue, disagree, add-in and put more thought into your teacher's lecture, you will show the other students your interest and dedication, so therefore they think you care about your grades a lot. Then they will assume you are really intelligent, and know more then everyone else. So, when you classmates will need help with homework, they will automatically come to you, or ask for your opinion.

Sit in the cafeteria when you have breaks- In a lot of colleges the cafeteria is where everyone goes to hang out when they have a break between classes. If you sit alone, or with a friend, do some homework look like you're not interested in anyone, or their conversation for that matter. When people see this, they see independence, causing them to want to get to know you. People love independent people.

Always treat your teacher's with respect, and frown on people that don't- This one is a good one, and may cause you to bite your tongue once or twice. When your teacher is disrespected they remember it, causing your following months in that class to suck. Nothing is more stressful then a professor that is out to get you. When you see student disrespect a teacher, roll your eyes, shake your head or some kind of body language that says "are you kidding me?". People see you respecting your authority, they will assume you're a respectful, polite young adult, and maturity is much cooler then immaturity.

When you walk into your class room, sit in a different seat then you did last time (unless you're assigned seats, but hey this is college, right?) If you sit next to the same people or person every time, you're really not going to get to know anyone else. This rule can start long lasting friendships and relationships. It's a good idea to have variety. This is how I made alot of my friends.

Get a facebook site- This site is good for finding people that go to your school, and it's a good ice breaker. Make a profile and start adding people from your school; you will be surprise how many people will add you back. When you have some friends, email them and ask them how they like school, or what they are going to school for and you're conversations will flow from there.

Don't be afraid to be who you are- A lot of people don't like to be who they are because they are afraid that no one will like who you are. If you show people that you don't care what other people think of you, and that you are not going to change just to fit in with someone, will show a strong willed person. When I look for friends I like to find friends who are confident and don't let other people chose who they are.

Remember no list will automatically get you friends, and give you instant popularity. You have to remember to be respectful, and treat everyone as if they are equals. If you give off a "don't talk to me I'm better then you" type attitude, you will have a hard time socially.