It’s a bit of a misconception that making the most of Freshers’ Week involves seven days of constant partying and near-herculean feats of drinking. And yeah, chances are you’ll be doing your fair share of that and having a great time along the way, but it’s not the only thing you’ll be doing during your first week.
While Freshers’ Week is an exciting time when you’ll get to meet loads of new people, for many it’s also the first time away from home – which can be a little daunting. On top of the socialising and new friends you’ll make, there’s so much more you can do to make the most of Freshers’ Week. Put the time to good use before your lectures start and make it a week to remember with this helpful how-to.
WHAT EXACTLY IS FRESHERS’ WEEK?
Freshers’ Week is the week before your course and lectures start properly. It gives students time to settle in, get to know flatmates, sign up to clubs and societies and get a bit of academic admin sorted, too. There’s always plenty to do and the variety of stuff that goes on means you’ll meet loads of like-minded people. Your new student life may throw one or two unexpected things your way, so be sure to check out our FRESHERS’ WEEK SURVIVAL GUIDE as well.
There’s usually some great freshers’ events and book fairs to attend, too.
GET YOURSELF TO THE FRESHERS’ FAIR
If you’re looking for free stuff and want to meet people with similar interests, be sure to head to your uni’s Freshers’ Fair. Local businesses come out in droves to throw discounts, offers and freebies your way, so it’s a good idea to bring a bag with you if you’re in the market for zero-cost swag.
The fair will also have stands from the clubs and societies based at your place of study. Not only are these a great way to find people with the same interests as you, but they’re also an excellent place to give something new a try. Ultimate frisbee society? Why not? A chance to learn martial arts? Go for it. Always fancied yourself as a public speaker? Debating society is for you.
Uni is a time to get out of your comfort zone and experience the unfamiliar, so signing up for a club is definitely one way of doing it.
TOP TIPS FOR YOUR NIGHTS OUT
It goes without saying, but it wouldn’t be Fresher’s Week without at least a couple of nights out. Wherever you decide to go, it’s important that you stay safe when you’re out clubbing. Since you’ll be in all sorts of new places, make sure you’ve swapped numbers with your housemates just in case you get split up from your group. If you need a taxi, be sure to only use licensed cabs; if you head to the Freshers’ Fair, there’s usually loads of local firms handing out their numbers, so be sure to jot some down. Lastly, make sure you never leave any of your drinks unattended inside clubs or bars.
BE YOURSELF
You’ll meet lots of different people in your first week of term that are in the same boat as you. And while Freshers’ Week could well be a way of making a new start, we’d say it’s better to be yourself rather than trying out a party-hard persona just for the sake of it. Trust us, you’ll find it difficult to keep up through the whole year.
DON’T TRY TO DO EVERYTHING
The dreaded Freshers’ Week FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) might make it feel like you have to do everything in order to have the best time. While it’s good to keep busy throughout the week, just remember: there’s no pressure to do anything you don’t want to. You’ll have three years to have an amazing time, so if you want to take it easy then go at your own pace and don’t feel like you have to cram everything into this one week.
Chances are there’ll be others who just fancy relaxing in the flat, too. If you don’t feel like going to a club for the third night in a row, then find something else to do. Try out one of the clubs you signed up for, have a quiet one at the student union or chill out, watch a film and recharge your batteries for the next day. Not everyone’s a party animal, so don’t feel like you have to be out drinking every single night of the week. Take it from us, your head will thank you for it the next day if you take the night off.
PLAN SOME ‘ME TIME’
With all the new people you’ll be meeting and places you’ll be going, it’s important to take some time for yourself. Before the big night kicks off, why not have some alone time exploring the new city, decorating your room or even catching up on some sleep?
DON’T FORGET ABOUT COURSE AND UNI ADMIN
Lastly, you’ll have some meetings and introductory lectures to attend during the week, so it’s important to remember these amongst all the fun you’ll be having. You’ll need to register on your course and collect your student ID (for those all-important student discounts), and fill out some other bits and pieces. Registering with your local GP is essential for those times you’re feeling a bit under the weather, too.
And while your timetable will be light for the first week or two, we’d advise looking up where your lectures are held, getting to know your library, and familiarising yourself with the area. It’ll help a lot when term gets into full swing.
Still looking for somewhere to stay, or planning ahead for next year? Head over to our HOMEPAGE to see what properties are nearby or drop us a line on 0207 1000 100 for more information on our student residences.