Freshers Week is a new, exciting, and often chaotic time for new university students. The start of university marks a huge transition in life — you’re living away from home, meeting new people, and navigating an entirely new world of social, academic, and personal challenges. Freshers Week is a time to get to know your surroundings, settle into your new routine, and start making lifelong memories. But it can also be a lot to handle.
To help you ease into this whirlwind of new experiences, here are some essential tips to survive Freshers Week, and maybe even enjoy it a bit more than you expected.
1. Make the most of social events
One of the first things you’ll likely hear when you arrive at university is how packed Freshers Week is with events, parties, and socials. Attending events is a fantastic way to meet new people at University. which can make transitioning to a new city easier, especially before course work piles up later in the term.
If you’re an introvert or just need some quiet time, remember it’s totally okay to take a step back when you need to recharge for a while.
2. Get to Know Your Campus and Surrounding Area
The first week at university is the perfect time to familiarize yourself with your campus and the local area. While you might get caught up in social events during Freshers Week, take a little time to explore. Knowing where your lectures are, where to find food, and the locations of important services like libraries and student support offices will help you feel more confident once your academic schedule kicks in.
Check out the local cafes, supermarkets, and other shops nearby. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your new surroundings, so it’s nice to feel comfortable with where everything is. Exploring the town is also a great way to discover local spots to relax with friends, grab a coffee, or enjoy a meal after a long day of lectures.
3. Explore Local Restaurants, Bars, and Attractions
Freshers Week is the perfect time to get to know your new town or city. Take some time to explore local attractions, restaurants, and bars. Whether it’s finding your favorite place for a quick lunch or discovering cool spots for a night out, exploring the local scene can help you feel more at home.
Check out the university’s student guide for recommendations on affordable places to eat, or ask your new friends for suggestions on where to go for a night out. Whether you’re into quirky cafes, bustling food markets, or laid-back bars, your new town will have plenty to offer. This is also a great way to bond with fellow freshers and make plans for the weekends ahead.
4. Don’t Skip Orientation Activities
Universities typically organize a variety of orientation activities throughout Freshers Week. These can include campus tours, meet-and-greets, and talks on important topics like mental health, student wellbeing, and academic support.
Orientation activities are your chance to get familiar with university resources and make connections. While it might seem tempting to skip them in favor of social events, attending these sessions during Freshers Week will give you the knowledge and confidence to navigate university life successfully. Plus, you may meet fellow freshers who are just as eager to make new friends and share similar concerns.
5. Budgeting Is Key — Keep Track of Your Finances
It’s easy to get carried away during Freshers Week, especially with all the free food, drinks, and event tickets. However, one of the key survival tips is being mindful of your finances. Many students find that they spend more than they expect in their first few weeks, which can cause stress later on.
Make sure to budget for essentials such as food, transport, and study supplies, and be cautious when it comes to social spending. Freshers Week can be an expensive time with various paid events and nights out, so if you’re on a tight budget, keep an eye on how much you’re spending. Consider opening a student bank account, which may offer helpful perks like discounts or interest-free overdrafts.
6. Register at a GP Practice for Healthcare
It’s easy to overlook healthcare during Freshers Week as you’re busy socializing and settling in, but one of the most important tasks for all freshers is registering with a local GP practice. You never know when you might need medical attention, whether it’s for an illness, an injury, or general health concerns.
Most universities will have information about registering with a GP, and it’s a simple process. Take a few minutes during Freshers Week to get yourself registered so that you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you can access healthcare services if needed.
7. Join Societies and Clubs, But Don’t Overcommit
University is full of opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities. Freshers Week is when most clubs and societies will have sign-up booths and introductory events. Joining societies and clubs is a fantastic way to meet people with similar interests, whether that’s sports, arts, politics, gaming, or anything in between.
That said, don’t feel pressured to sign up for everything. It can be tempting to commit to a range of activities during Freshers Week, but keep in mind that your academic work will soon take priority. Instead of overloading yourself, take time to explore the options, and think about what interests you most. You can always join additional societies later on once you’ve settled into your routine.
8. Look After Your Mental Health
For many freshers, Freshers Week can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. It’s completely normal to feel nervous, excited, and even homesick at times. The reality of being away from home, making new friends, and adjusting to university life can be overwhelming, but remember, you’re not alone.
Universities offer a range of mental health and wellbeing services that can help with the transition. If you feel anxious or find yourself struggling with homesickness, don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor, tutor, or a fellow fresher. Many students feel the same way in their first few weeks, so don’t be afraid to talk about how you’re feeling.
Practice self-care throughout Freshers Week. Prioritize sleep, drink enough water, eat well, and try to find moments of quiet when you need to decompress. The demands of university life can be intense, but taking care of yourself will help you manage the stress.
9. Make Friends Gradually — Quality Over Quantity
One of the most exciting aspects of Freshers Week is meeting new people, but it can also feel overwhelming to be constantly surrounded by so many new faces. Instead of feeling pressured to befriend everyone you meet, focus on making a few meaningful connections.
The friendships that last are often built over time. Seek out people with whom you genuinely connect, whether through a shared course, a society, or a mutual interest. Don’t worry if you don’t make your “best friend” in the first week — it’s all part of the process, and true friendships take time to grow.
10. Stay Organized
University life is often very different from what you experienced in school, and staying organized is key to handling the transition successfully. Freshers Week may be relatively relaxed in terms of academics, but soon, assignments, projects, and lectures will kick into full gear.
Get a planner or use a digital calendar to keep track of your commitments, including academic deadlines, club meetings, social events, and personal tasks. Staying organized will help you balance social and academic responsibilities during Freshers Week and beyond while minimizing stress.
11. Drink Responsibly (and Know Your Limits)
Freshers Week is notorious for its parties, and it’s tempting to join in on all the fun. However, drinking can quickly get out of hand if you’re not careful. It’s important to know your limits and drink responsibly, especially as you’ll need to find your balance with new social dynamics.
If you choose to drink, pace yourself and make sure to eat before drinking. Always stay hydrated, and avoid peer pressure. There’s no need to drink excessively to fit in or have fun. Remember that everyone has different tolerance levels, and it’s okay to take it slow during Freshers Week.
12. Join a Gym or Get Active
If you’re up for fitness, Freshers Week is also a great time to explore your university’s gym facilities. Many universities offer discounted student memberships or even free trials for freshers. Joining a gym or taking part in fitness activities is not only great for your physical health, but it’s also a fantastic way to meet new people and relieve stress.
If you’re not into the gym, there are usually other fitness classes and sports clubs that you can join, such as yoga, running, or team sports. Getting active is a great way to balance the inevitable late nights and social events of Freshers Week.
13. Be Open to New Experiences
Freshers Week is a time of discovery. You’ll encounter a mix of people, ideas, and activities that might be completely new to you. Embrace the opportunity to try new things. Whether it’s joining an unusual society, attending a quirky event, or making friends with people from different backgrounds, this is your chance to explore new opportunities and step out of your comfort zone.
Final Thoughts
Freshers Week can be bit of a whirlwind but it’s also an exciting time of growth and exploration. With these tips, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of university life while making the most of this exciting transition. Remember, it’s all about finding a balance between socializing, self-care, and getting ready for your academic journey. Embrace the adventure, and welcome to university life!
