What to do over Freshers’ Week

If you’re starting university this year, you’ve probably already heard what not to do during Freshers’ Week; horror stories about getting too drunk and eating your 20th pot noodle.

Everyone comes to university with different visions of what they want to get from the experience, so you should act how you want to during Freshers’ Week and don’t let anyone pressure you into anything. There’s no structured list for what you should do and how you should behave, but if you’re just looking for some general guidance on how to survive those first few days of university, read on!

Make an effort with other people

The idea of having to make new friends may seem really daunting, but the worst thing you can do is lock yourself in your room during Freshers’ Week. University is likely to be the first time you’re living away from home, and you’ll feel so much better if you throw yourself into friendships and having fun. Clubbing and group socials are not the only way to make friends, so don’t panic if you’re not into that. Instead, plan a day trip or film night with your flatmates. You don’t have to make 100 friends in your first week, but equally you do need to make a bit of effort. If you do, you’ll find some good mates in no time.

Go to Freshers’ Fairs and taster sessions

You’ll regret it if you don’t! Universities usually have a vast selection of societies and sports clubs, and for many people extra-curricular activities become a huge part of their university experience, sometimes even helping them decide their future career. Freshers’ Fairs showcase the societies on offer, with current members offering advice, answering questions and sometimes showing off what you’ll get up to. Clubs often run taster sessions during the first few weeks, which you can go along to for free to see if you enjoy it. If you’re into sport, make sure you find out when trials are, as you may not get another chance for the rest of the year if you miss them.

Stay as healthy as you can

If you’re clubbing and drinking alcohol every night, you need to help your body in every way you can. This means eating three nutritious meals a day and drinking plenty of water as alcohol dehydrates you. If you’re hungover, eat fresh fruit and vegetables and get out into the fresh air – as tempting as bed and Netflix may seem, it won’t help you feel better. Exercise is also important, especially if you indulged in chips or a kebab after your night out. It helps keep the body strong and healthy, so whether you’re signing up to a sports club, joining the gym or enjoy jogging try to fit it in. Do this and you might avoid the infamous Freshers’ Flu.

Be prepared to spend

If you’re hoping to have a wild time during Freshers’ Week but don’t want to part with any money, you’re going to struggle. You don’t have to be ridiculous, but by the time you’ve bought event tickets, food and drink, new clothes and equipment and signed up to societies and sports you will have parted with a fair amount. The way to deal with this is to prepare beforehand: save up an affordable amount but be realistic! If you’re receiving loans at the start of university, put some of that aside to pay for Freshers’ Week. Alternatively, if you work over the summer holidays, save a bit of that every time you get paid and you’ll have enough in no time.

Don’t neglect your course

Some universities schedule Freshers’ Week for before term starts, meaning you can attend all activities without worrying about going to lectures. Others hold Freshers’ Week at the same time as term starting so that you have to attend classes even if you’ve been out until 3am the previous night. Of course you want to have fun, and you shouldn’t miss out on anything just because you have lectures the next day but equally you shouldn’t miss your introductory classes. Your subject departments are likely to go easy on you in the first few weeks, but those initial lectures will provide you with a basic overview of your modules, and important general information about your course. Tutors don’t see hangovers as an excuse.

The best piece of advice I can give for what to do during Freshers’ Week is to enjoy it. Do what makes you happy, and what will help you to settle into university life. Stay healthy and safe but have fun! And remember there are so many people to support you and answer your questions: the friends you make, people back at home, tutors, health professionals and other university staff.

Do you have more advice on what to do over Freshers’ Week? Tell us in the comments below.

Photo: Kim / Flickr