Post-fresher’s fair advice

I’m sure we can all agree that Fresher’s fair is exhausting, whether you are running a stall or spending hours on your feet signing up to virtually every society. Having done both this year, I am ready to curl up and sleep for a month. Like me, you probably want to forget all about those huge messy bags full of flyers and freebies and leave it alone for a good few days. However, having learnt from last year’s Fresher’s fair, if you really want to commit to a society, the few days after the Fresher’s Fair are just as important as the Fair itself. Here are some steps to keep you on the right track post-Fresher’s fair.

1. Tip everything out and make a pile of flyers/paper, a pile of freebies/vouchers, and a pile of carrier bags

2. Sort out the flyers by making three piles

• Societies you are really interested in and think it realistic that you will be able to keep them up. In theory this will only be 2 or 3 societies.
• Those society leaflets you weren’t really sure about because you want to try the free session first
• The flyers you only picked up because you felt sorry for the stall members – you may as well put these straight into the recycling bin

3. Read the information on the flyers in the first and second pile and write down any important dates and places into your diary – taster sessions, socials, training sessions etc.

[optional] Find the societies online to find out more information and get their updates

4. Sort out the freebies into three similar piles

• Useful – pens, notepads, food vouchers
• Edible – sweets
• Useless – either give these to someone else or recycle/dispose of them. I gave all my free stickers to my younger sister last year!

5. Use the bags to carry your shopping, line your bin, store your shoes or whatever else you want to use them for! Remember the canvas bags can be used for life 🙂

6. Manage your emails – check these for room/time changes etc. Also don’t be afraid to email back and ask to be taken off the mailing list if you know you won’t join the society.

7. Don’t let pressure from your friends, to join or ditch a society affect your decisions. Societies are a great way to make friends with similar interests!

Good luck!

Caroline