Fresher’s Week: How to Make the Best First Impression

First impressions matter at university, and the one’s you make during Fresher’s Week can help set the tone for the weeks ahead.

Your first day at university can be incredibly exciting, daunting, and overwhelming all at once. From meeting new flatmates and coursemates to introducing yourself to tutors.

While you do not need to completely reinvent yourself, feeling fresh, well-groomed and comfortable in your appearance can give you an extra confidence boost. A few simple grooming tips can make those busy days feel much easier.

If you are getting set for your new venture, keep reading to learn some of our Fresher’s Week tips for making the best first impressions.

How Can You Feel More Confident on Your First Day at University?

One of the best university first day tips is also one of the simplest: be yourself. Wear clothes you feel comfortable in, stick to a grooming routine you know works for you and focus on feeling like yourself.

When you feel comfortable, you are more likely to appear relaxed, confident and approachable when meeting new people during Fresher’s Week.

Even if you’re feeling nervous on the inside, looking comfortable on the outside will help you to come across as friendly and approachable.

How Can You Make Friends During Fresher’s Week?

Never underestimate the value of being a good listener. When everyone’s new and feeling lost, remembering people’s names and interests will be massively appreciated.

Don’t forget to think about your body language when you’re talking to other people, too. Smile, hold yourself tall, and try not to fold your arms - you want to appear as welcoming and friendly as possible.

What Should You Cook for Your New Uni Flatmates?

Knowing how to cook is an important, and impressive, skill when you’re just starting uni. When everyone’s missing home cooking, a quick homemade spag bol can go a long way.

Sitting down to share a meal together is a great way to get to know your new flatmates, and it’s a good way to socialise when the weather gets colder and you don’t fancy venturing to the pub. Get everyone to chip in for the ingredients and remember that you’ll get out of the washing up if you’ve done the cooking!

Cooking for yourself can also help keep student spending under control. Preparing lunch before heading to classes means you are less likely to rely on expensive food on the go, making basic cooking skills another useful addition to your Fresher’s Week essentials.

What Grooming Essentials Should You Have for Fresher’s Week?

Keeping your room and shared spaces tidy will help you stay on good terms with your new flatmates, but the same principle can apply to your grooming routine.

Among the most useful Fresher's grooming tips is to keep things simple and consistent. Maintaining neat facial hair, showering regularly and taking a few minutes to look after your skin can help you feel more put together, even after a late night.

Apply the same attitude to your appearance too. Keep your facial hair neat and tidy, and you’ll feel so much smarter, even when you’re tired or hungover. Even just trimming your beard neckline can significantly improve your appearance.

If you have a beard or stubble, trimming the neckline and keeping facial hair at an even length can quickly make it look neater. A versatile grooming tool such as the Gillette All Purpose Styler and Beard Trimmer can help trim, shave and edge your facial hair with one handy, waterproof tool.

For a smooth, clean shave, we recommend the Gillette SkinGuard Sensitive Razor, which has been proven to reduce the risk of razor bumps, helping you to keep your personal appearance tidy and smart.

Don’t neglect your skin either, especially if you’re drinking more than usual and staying out late, as alcohol and lack of sleep can dehydrate your skin.

For your first day at university, consider putting together a small grooming kit containing the basics you use most often such as:

• Razor or beard trimmer
• Shaving gel or cream
• Face wash
• Moisturiser
• Deodorant or antiperspirant
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Hair styling products

Having these essentials ready before you move in means there’s one less thing to think about during your first few days.

Should You Join University Clubs and Societies During Fresher’s Week?

Signing up for clubs and societies at the Freshers’ Fair is a great way to meet people with common interests, and they’ll help you to get the most out of your uni experience.

As part of your Fresher’s Week guide, it is worth choosing a few societies that genuinely interest you rather than signing up for everything.

You can also make everyday routines easier by setting up subscriptions for products you know you will need regularly.

Joining Gillette's shave club, for example, means you can get your razor delivered straight to your student accommodation in a handy starter pack, followed by regular deliveries of replacement blades.

This will give you one less thing to think about when you’re adjusting to student life, making it easy for you to look and feel confident in your first days at uni.

Find out everything you need to know about Gillette shaving subscriptions here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fresher’s Week

What Should I Do to Make a Good First Impression During Fresher's Week?

Focus on feeling comfortable, confident and approachable. On your first day at university, simple steps like wearing clothes you feel good in, keeping your appearance fresh and tidy, making eye contact and showing a genuine interest in others can all help you make a positive first impression.

What Grooming Essentials Should I Pack for University?

Your Fresher’s Week grooming essentials should be simple and practical. Pack the products you already use, such as deodorant, face wash, moisturiser, hair care products and a razor or beard trimmer. A small grooming kit can also be useful for keeping everything organised in shared accommodation.

What's The Easiest Grooming Routine for Busy Students?

The easiest grooming routine is one that you can stick to every day. Start with the basics: shower regularly, wash and moisturise your face, use deodorant and keep your hair and facial hair tidy. These simple Freshers’ grooming tips only take a few minutes and can help you feel put together and prepared for lectures, social events and busy days on campus.

How Often Should University Students Shave or Trim Facial Hair?

How often you shave or trim depends on how quickly your facial hair grows and the style you prefer. If you like your beard short and neatly shaped, a quick trim every few days can help maintain your look.

If you prefer a clean shave, shave as often as feels comfortable for your skin. Whichever routine you choose, using suitable shaving or trimming products and avoiding too much pressure that can help reduce irritation and keep your facial hair looking neat.