With A-Level results behind you, it’s time to get excited about moving to university! Whether you’re moving to a new city or staying closer to home, one of the first things you’ll experience at university is freshers. This is a great opportunity to get to know your city, university and meet loads of new people.
Making the transition to university might take some getting used to, so it’s important to be prepared. We’ve put together this handy freshers survival guide so you can make the most out of your first taste of uni life.
What is Freshers Week?
Freshers takes place at the beginning of the academic year, generally before lectures and seminars start. At some universities, freshers lasts longer than a week, it might be a fortnight, and some events might happen at a later date in term time.
Freshers week is your opportunity to find out more about university life, outside of your studies. You can find out about any clubs and societies you might want to join and get to know new people.
Freshers Survival Guide
Events
You’ll be amazed at the number of events on offer during Freshers. Head to the societies fair to learn about the students clubs you can join. Whatever your hobbies are, there’s bound to be something for you to join. Are you sporty? Don’t miss the sports fair – your chance to join one of the university’s sports team. Why not take up something new? Find the best freshers events for you.
Your department will probably run an induction event as well – make sure you don’t miss it! This is a great chance to meet some course mates and find out your lecture schedule for the term.
Familiarise Yourself
Get to know your surroundings! Have a walk around campus to see what facilities are on offer. Do you know where the library is? Where can you get a coffee in the morning? It’s also a good idea to find your lecture buildings – you don’t want to be late to your first class!
Freshers is also a great time to familiarise yourself with your new city. Check out some of the nearby attractions, and see what the public transport is like.
Budgeting
There’s going to be quite a bit you need to pay for during Freshers. You might be planning a few more nights out than you would normally, and those costs can start to add up quickly.
Your student loan is supposed to last all term, so don’t spend it all during Freshers! We highly recommend making a student budget so that you’re not spreading your funds too thin. If you’re planning on going to a few Freshers nights out, try and buy a wristband or pass – they’re usually cheaper than paying for entry individually.
Do Some Admin
Try and do a bit of admin early on. We know it’s boring, but it’s great to get out of the way. Find a local doctor that accepts students as new patients. Have a look for one online before you go to uni and join in person with any paperwork and your medical documents.
This is also a great time to do a bit of food shopping. Stock your cupboards with some delicious food – but don’t forget fruit and veg! if you’re not in catered accommodation, you don’t want to be buying takeaways too often – your student loan won’t thank you for it.
Stay Safe
You can make some great memories during freshers and have some of the best experiences of your life. Just make sure to be sensible. If you’re going out, especially if there’s going to be alcohol involved, make sure you have a decent meal beforehand. Eating isn’t cheating – don’t listen to anyone who tells you otherwise.
When you’re going out, keep an eye on your belongings – particularly your drink. Don’t leave your drink unattended. Make sure you stick to groups, and don’t wander off from your friends. And when you’re heading home, don’t go alone! Go with friends on trusted transport (reputable taxis, uni buses etc).
Surviving Freshers Week
Enjoy freshers week! It’s not your typical week at uni, and is a great chance to get to know some new people. As you’re getting ready for freshers, if you haven’t got your student accommodation sorted, check out our available rooms!