About to start University and all you keep hearing about is freshers’ week? When you arrive, there will probably be lots of posters and talk from your flatmates about it. Keep reading to find out what exactly happens during freshers’ week, along with the importance of it. Including 6 of the MOST important tips for freshers’ week so make sure you make notes!
What is Freshers Week?
Freshers’ week starts the week before your course will start. It is an opportunity for you to make friends with people at your university and get to know the people you are living with.
A lot of people assume freshers’ week is all about drinking, but this is not the case! If you are not a massive drinker or partygoer, then there will be plenty of events for you to attend.
Although freshers’ week is thought to be a ‘week’ long, some universities extend it to 10 days or even two weeks. So, if you don’t want to miss out on the club nights but you also don’t want to get freshers flu from clubbing 7 nights straight then make sure you do have a few nights off to recharge.
You will most likely have induction week for your course alongside freshers’ week.
Nights out
Your university will arrange multiple nights out with different themes each night so be prepared to get your fancy dress on! Most universities send freshers reps (who are second or third years) around the first-year accommodations to let them know of any pre drinks going on. This is also a great way to get to know other people in your block. If the flat above you are having a pre drinks then why not join?
If you aren’t into clubbing, then check out the other night events. These events will usually include things like karaoke, bingo, music night, etc.
Days out
Make sure you don’t go too crazy on the nights out or you will end up missing the day activities. There are so many activities you can get stuck into during the day. The sports societies will all have tried out sessions for free so it’s worth trying these out. They will all accept beginners so even if you have no clue how you play, if it is something you want to get into then go for it!
If sports are not for you then try a taste event for a society. The number of societies is endless so you will be sure to find something that suits.
Sometimes universities put on some fun events, like bowling, ice skating, or tours around the city.
Important info
During freshers’ week you will also have some introduction sessions to your course. These sessions will include an overview of your course, along with getting to know your seminar group. There may be some prework you need to do before you get to university so make sure you check for this. Some courses might only have 1 day of induction classes whereas some may put on a group activity that needs to be done over the week.
Freshers’ fair
During freshers’ week, there will be a freshers’ fair for societies and one for sports. I recommend you try both out. It is very important that you take a look and see if anything takes your fancy. There will be people on stalls that can tell you a bit more if you have any questions about each society. Good questions to ask include:
What weekly events do you put on?
How much does it cost to join the society?
How often do you meet as a society?
Find Jamworks at your University
Jamworks will be attending multiple freshers’ fair events around the country so make sure you look out for them! Here are the universities they will be attending:
University of Coventry: 15th September 2021
University of Strathclyde: 16th September 2021
University of Winchester: 18th September 2021
University of Leeds : 20th September 2021
University of Manchester: 21st September 2021
University of Swansea: 22nd September 2021
University of Nottingham: 23rd September 2021
University of Kent: 24th September 2021
University of Southampton : 1st October 2021
University of West England: 7th October 2021
Is freshers’ flu real?
Without a doubt freshers’ flu is real! So, make sure you look after yourself. Take lots of paracetamol with you! Don’t push yourself to keep up with your flatmates, if you need a break, take a night off.
Why is fresher’s important?
Without a doubt, freshers’ week is the most important week of your first year at university. This is where you will make friends for life.
It is sometimes the case that not everyone gets on with their flatmates, so it is important to get to know other people who have similar interests to you.
Where is it?
Freshers’ week usually takes place on and around campus. The Student Union is where the majority of club nights will be held. However, some universities hold events around the city you are in. So, this gives you a chance to get out and about. If your university is offering city tours then it may be worth doing one so you get to know where places are.
Who joins in on Freshers Week?
Everyone who is starting their first year on an undergrad or postgrad course gets to go to the freshers’ events.
So, if you have just completed an undergrad course and you are moving universities to do a postgrad course then do not worry! You still have the chance to make friends and join new societies!
6 Tips for Freshers Week:
Freshers’ week can be very daunting so here are 6 tips to make your time a little bit easier.
Join a society
One of the biggest tips I can give if you should join a society in Freshers Week. You have to remember that everyone is in the same position as you. They are just as nervous turning up on their own as you are. If you are worried about turning up on your own, then try and get one of your flatmates to go with you.
Try and go to some of the society taster sessions. This way you will be able to meet new people who have the same interests as you.
Joining a society is also a great thing to put on your CV. As you are moving into the second and third year you get the opportunity to take on a main role such as becoming the president of the society. Employers love asking questions about the society you are a part of as it helps them get to know you a little better.
Get to know your flatmates
Spend time getting to know your flatmates in freshers’ week. If you can find out your flatmates beforehand on the Facebook groups that the universities create, then plan some events with them.
You will be living with these people for a whole year so make sure you make the effort to get along. There is nothing worse than trying to avoid a flatmate for a year!
Make sure you get enough sleep
Freshers’ week can involve lots of parties and clubbing but remember you will also have day sessions for induction week that you really need to attend! These sessions will give you a bit more info on the course and you will get to know your seminar group.
Freshers flu is very real so lots of sleep can help combat this.
Take part in a range of different events
If you take part in a range of different events such as sports tasters, society tasters and nights out then you are going to be able to meet so many new people.
You may even find something that you want to take part in that you would never have imagined doing before you came to university.
Don’t be scared!
The most important thing to remember is that so many people are feeling just the way you are! You do not need to feel scared about turning up to any of the events. If it makes it easier, you can try and find people on the Facebook chats who are living in the same building as you/ on the same course/ on the same campus and have a little chat so you have someone you can go to the events with when you get there.
Get to know your new city
Many freshers are moving to a new city. Some may have never been to the city before. So, if this is you then take a little tour around the city. Find where you can do your food shop and where the student bars are.
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