What should I know about the environment for a university interview?

I'm curious about what to expect in the room when heading into a university interview. Is there anything specific I should prepare for or be aware of to make a good impression?

When it comes to university interviews, the environment where the interview will take place might be a shared common space, a study room, or sometimes a one-on-one Zoom room, especially if your interview is virtual.

The room itself is not usually part of the evaluation. Rather, it serves as an atmosphere that allows you to feel comfortable while maintaining a level of formality needed for such meetings. A few things to note before settling in:

- Remember to respect the space. Whether the room is clean or cluttered, maintain an organized posture and demeanor.

- Be mindful of your surroundings. If there are materials like pamphlets or books in the room, take note. You might be able to use this information during your interview, particularly if it's about the university.

- Note the seating arrangement. You might be across a desk from your interviewer, side-by-side, or in a circle with several people. Each setup lends itself to a different dynamic, so adjust your body language accordingly.

- If the interview is happening virtually, make sure your surroundings are tidy, well-lit, and quiet. Test the lighting and camera position before your interview to make sure your face can be seen clearly. Keep in mind that the interviewer will be able to see what's behind you, so consider what you'd like to display.

Remember, the focus of the interview will be on what you say and how you present yourself, not on the room itself. Try to stay relaxed, be yourself, and let your interest in the university shine through.

In terms of making a good impression, apart from your responses, consider your non-verbal communication—eye contact, body language, etc. Those factors in conjunction with your answers can greatly impact the impression you leave on your interviewer.