How to (Almost) survive Freshers!

Freshers: the one week left of no responsibility before your course starts.

It is the first week of university; your time to make friends, explore the university, and settle in. As someone who doesn’t really drink, I was worried that I would be left out in freshers due to its reputation as a week long party. However, there is so much more to freshers than alcohol. These are my main tips to surviving your first week at university, but remember, no-one can avoid freshers’ flu!

First things first – meet your flatmates! These people might be your best mates, or they might not be, but having a good relationship with your flatmates always helps. That way they’ll forgive you when you steal their milk!

Now you’re settled in, check out the different fairs! There is the student group fair, the sports fair, the fresh fair and the first year fair. The sports and group fairs are good opportunities to get an idea of the different societies on offer and what you can get involved in. My biggest tip would be sign up to something you have never done; I signed up to Pole Fitness on a whim and I have been to a lesson every week since! You don’t need to commit with a membership fee straight away as most groups will offer taster sessions. The fresh fair is full of freebies so make so you come with an empty bag!

Now the fun is out of the way, make sure you go to your welcome lectures! Although they are just introducing the subject so you won’t miss any vital knowledge, these lectures are a great way to meet people on your course. The people you meet in Freshers might not be your best friends but getting to know a few friendly faces never hurts.

Finally, try and do something to put yourself out of your comfort zone. Whether that is simply knocking on your flatmates doors to strike up conversation, going on a night out with your new neighbours, or trying a new sport or society, make sure you regret nothing. Freshers is a chance for a new start, and even if you only try something once, you won’t regret it.