Freshers is one of the biggest times of the year for university students and is so hyped up, but the week means so much more than just drinking and kebabs. No two experiences are ever the same so this guide should help with whatever situation you land yourself in. Here is the ultimate students guide to freshers week with our top ten tips…
1. Before moving in…
Before coming to university, try not to ignore their emails. Looking through the welcome emails are really important for being aware when settling in, not only containing your timetable but lots more information such as events and services they’re offering. You may also want to follow your university on social media to keep in the loop of freshers plans! Have things to look forward to when you get to the city, such as places to visit or things you’d like to do. If you’re being dropped off my parents or loved ones in a car, use that to your advantage, as most students won’t take their cars to university! Also, don’t plan on reinventing yourself entirely when you get to uni, embrace who you are and it’ll be much more fun for you that way!
2. Adjust to your surroundings…
Once you arrive, get unpacked early as the next few days will be busy. Don’t just practically unpack, make your new room, a second home. Don’t forget small decorations such as fairy lights or pictures to make your new living space feel like your own. Start by adjusting to your halls, establish what facilities they have, and where, such as gyms, laundry rooms or the reception desk. Then move onto your wider surroundings. These are places such as your university buildings, your nearest supermarket and the local pub. Try out new places when you arrive as doing this will allow you to be the friend who helps others settle in also.
3. Put yourself out there…
It can feel really nerve-wracking at university putting yourself out there, but you won’t regret it! It is so important to remember that everyone is in the same boat, so no one is going to judge you for introducing yourself or starting up a conversation, if anything, they’ll probably be grateful that you started it instead of them! You’ll meet so many people, some will hang around, and others will come and go. “People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.” Simple things such as propping your door open in your flat when moving in or easy conversation starters like ‘what course are you on’ or ‘where are you from’ are great ways to break the ice.
4. Attend the events…
Freshers week is always full of events within the university with something for everyone. Freshers fairs will give you enough pens to last you your entire degree and nights out will have you wondering where you are before you’ve even got to the bar. You’ll also be able to learn more about societies/ clubs as well as random events such as Ikea trips (which I go to still, even though I haven’t been a fresher for years). The bulk of freshers events as we know it, take place outside of university, in the local bars and clubs. It’s easy to feel so much pressure to attend every single event, but you’ll probably enjoy them more if you aren’t hungover 24/7. The clubs are usually rammed in freshers week, making it not the most enjoyable experience sometimes, so don’t worry, there is plenty of time to go to the clubs when they can actually handle the capacity! Also, be aware that freshers flu is real…
5. Get to know your flatmates…
Getting to know your flatmates is a huge part of freshers week. Love them or hate them, you’ll never forget them, and they’re a huge part of your first year adventure. Spark conversation with them where you can and make plans! If you plan on going on a night out, stick together in the early days. You will often find you learn more about people over dinner or in the evenings. Try and eat your dinner in your shared kitchen so you can start conversation, or host a pree’s together to meet new people. Be accepting of new personalities, university isn’t like school, you’ll find the ‘it’ girls being friends with the ‘library nerds’… it’s brilliant!
6. Stay safe…
Staying safe during the night-out part of freshers week is essential, and will probably have your mum not sleeping for a week, as she worries about you. Familiarise yourself with the area as much as you can, and look after your body, keeping it hydrated and well-fed, especially if you’re out on heavy drinking nights. Often the university will have a bus service or trusted taxi service to help in the evenings. Some universities will arrange with taxi services to give your uni card to the taxi driver if you don’t have cash. The taxi driver will give your card into the students union and you’ll retrieve your uni card the next day, and pay the fee upon collection. Try and stick with people you live with or in the same halls in the early days and only do things that you’re comfortable with. Make sure you are carrying a small amount of cash and your phone is full charged at least.
7. Utilise those deals…
Now you’re a university student, the amount of discounts and deals you are able to get will have almost doubled. When you go shopping, take your uni card with you as most shops will have a student discount. 10% off things definitely adds up! Even if a shop or restaurant doesn’t advertise a student discount, there is no harm in asking. Also, in freshers week, the deals will be high, so if you’re looking to treat yourself, plenty of shopping centres and bars will have all their offers ready for you!
8. Prepare for fancy dress…
Whether you like fancy dress or not, it will be coming for you at university. Freshers week almost always involves some kind of fancy dress event, so be prepared. It’s all light-hearted and a bit of fun so you don’t need to splash the cash by any means. Reinventing pieces in your wardrobe or heading to a local charity shop are good ways to keep the price low. The most common ones are school disco and anything but clothes, but it’s safe to have a back-up option. With Halloween just around the corner after freshers week, maybe your outfit could double-up. Also, paint parties are a lot of fun, but bring some clothes you aren’t worried about ruining!
9. Keep in touch with loved ones…
This time can be a lot to take in, and may feel like everything is going at 100mph. Although you may be super busy, take a moment to drop a message to your loved ones or give them a call. They’ll want to know about your week and if you’re safe and settled. They can also help you if you don’t feel settled, by making plans or sharing advice from their experiences.
10. Remember, no two experiences are the same
This one speaks for itself, no two experiences are the same, and it may look like the person going out every night and always laughing is having a great time, but they too might be feeling out of their depth and worried. Try and talk to your peers and see how they’re coping. It’s easy to believe everyone is having the time of their life, but trust me, freshers week is just seven days, in an experience that lasts years. If it wasn’t the way the movies sold it to you, don’t worry. Everything will fall into place eventually. Trust the process.
