Survival Guide to Freshers Week

Congratulations! You’ve made it to university! No more logging into UCAS, no more school uniforms, and no more early mornings at sixth form. You’ve flown the nest (at least until Christmas), your accommodation is sorted, and now it’s time to truly begin the next chapter of your life. Grab your alarm clock, stock up on paracetamol, and get ready for the madness that is Freshers Week. Here’s your guide to surviving (and thriving) through it, with some dos and don’ts we’ve learned the hard way, so you don’t have to!

Get Organised (Yes, Really)

Freshers Week is fun, but let’s face it, it’s also when you’re going to start dealing with all the admin that university life throws at you. Enrolment, getting your ID number, setting up your .ac.uk email, the list goes on! Make sure you’ve got all the details saved in your calendar: dates, times, and locations for anything you need to attend. You don’t want to wake up with a hangover, only to realise you missed your registration and now you’re not even on the class register. Trust me, it's a headache you don’t need.

Accommodation – Be Thorough!

When you first arrive at your halls, you’ll likely be given a room inspection sheet. This is your responsibility, so make sure you go over it carefully. Any cracks, chips, stains, or damage? Make sure you mark them all down, especially if they’re things you know will cause problems later. If you don’t cross off issues on the sheet at the start of the year, it could come out of your deposit when you check out.

Pro tip: Dorm sinks tend to get a bit grimy over time. It’s easy to forget, but give them a good once-over and report anything that could cause issues later. Don’t let a build-up of toothpaste or soap scum sneak up on you.

Fresher’s Fair – Don’t Miss It!

The Fresher’s Fair is your chance to sign up for pretty much everything happening at university; clubs, societies, events, and discounts. It’s also where you’ll make some of your first connections, which can be invaluable later on. Even if you're not sure about joining everything, put your email down for anything that piques your interest. You can always unsubscribe later, but this is your opportunity to meet people, explore new hobbies, and maybe even discover a new passion.

And let’s not forget the freebies! Stock up on highlighters, pens, and, of course, bottle openers, trust me, you’ll use them more than you think. Plus, you never know who you’ll meet or what opportunities you’ll uncover. After all, some of the most successful athletes, performers, and politicians started out at Freshers Week – so it’s not all about the partying!

Going Out – Don’t Overdo It (But Do Enjoy It)

If your university offers wristbands for a multi-club pass, grab one. Or a few. You’ll need them if you plan on going out every night, and they’ll save you some cash at the door.

Also, consider getting a part-time job as a promoter during Freshers Week. You’ll get great pay for little effort, and there’s no better feeling than handing out VIP wristbands to your new mates. It’s a win-win!

And don’t forget to hit up the take away stands at Freshers Fair. Collect all the half-price pizza coupons you can, Trust me, you’ll thank us when you need that midnight snack.

Make Friends with Everyone, But Be Mindful of Different Comfort Zones

University life can be intimidating, especially for international students or those who are away from home for the first time. Yes, you’ll meet people who are all about the party scene, but don’t forget to make friends with those who might not share the same enthusiasm for clubbing every night. You’ll likely meet people from all over the world, and everyone’s at different stages of adjusting to university life.

If you encounter someone who’s a little quieter, offer to make them a cup of tea when you’re grabbing your own morning Berocca. It’s a small gesture, but it goes a long way in making someone feel welcome. Remember, university isn’t just about the drinking and partying – it’s also about forming meaningful connections that will last.

Explore the Local Scene – Safely!

Freshers Week is a great time to get to know your new city or town. Ask locals for tips on the best bars, cafes, and hidden gems around campus. Establish a local pub or café where you can chill with your mates. But, as always, stay safe. University can be a whirlwind, and it’s easy to lose track of time or misjudge your alcohol intake, so make sure you have a plan for getting home safely.

Save your new friends' numbers, make a note of local cab companies, and download travel apps so you can get around with ease. And most importantly, charge your phone fully before you head out – you never know when you’ll need it for a late-night emergency.

Pace Yourself – It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Freshers Week can be an absolute blast, but it can also take its toll. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and overdo it, whether it’s partying, socialising, or even just trying to take in all the new experiences. The key is to pace yourself. Take it one day at a time and make sure you get enough rest. You’ve got a few weeks of this ahead of you, and it’s important to enjoy every moment – without burning out in the first few days.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy It, But Don’t Forget the Essentials

Freshers Week is your gateway to an exciting new chapter. It’s full of opportunities to meet new people, discover new activities, and embrace the freedom that comes with university life. But it’s also a time to get organised and make sure you’re set up for the year ahead. Don’t let the fun distract you from the essential admin tasks, and remember that university life is about balance.

Make friends, try new things, and enjoy the ride – but make sure you’re keeping track of the basics too. If you follow these tips, you’ll not only survive Freshers Week but thrive in it!

Good luck, and welcome to university life!