Fresher's week
Don’t get left behind
Freshers’ week is the ideal time for you to move into accommodation, meet your housemates, make friends, join clubs and societies, find your way around, register, and collect your student loan – prior to starting your studies.
The week is usually based around a series of social events such as discos, live bands, parties…and a Freshers Fair where you can join clubs and societies. You should be sent a programme of events in advance, listing activities and entertainment organised by the university / college and the Students' Union.
But remember – you don’t have to try them all! You’ll need to save yourself enough energy to attend to the not-so-much-fun bits - where there may be queues, forms and documents to fill in - to ensure your student days start smoothly!
Do the essentials
During Freshers’ week you’ll need to register with your hall (if you’re living away from home), your institution and your student union. You’ll also have to pay any fees that are due. Make sure you have the relevant forms and several passport-sized photos to hand, to ensure time spent queuing isn’t in vain – you can also use the time to socialise and make friends!
Faculty inductions will also take place. You may have to sign up for your options and register with the library. Try to borrow books shown on your reading list to save buying them. Also keep a look out for second hand book sales. They’re full of useful publications – many originally owned by last years’ students – and can save you a lot of money.
There may also be presentations on finance, personal safety and student support and counselling services to attend.
Other things to do in your Fresher’ week
- Register with your university medical centre or a local GP
- Make sure you eat healthily
- Try to fit in some sleep. (Term will soon start with earnest.)
- Join in with a few sporting and social activities – you can register with clubs and societies at the Freshers’ Fair
- Go on a library tour
Have a great time, but don’t worry if you end up feeling a bit homesick or if Freshers’ Week doesn’t quite live up to expectations. Everyone feels like this at some point. By the end of week two, with new friends, you’ll be into the routine of working towards your qualification, surviving and enjoying yourself - all at the same time.
Remember- if you do get down or feel overwhelmed, you can contact Connexions Direct between 8am and 2am and speak in confidence with an Adviser. Calls from a landline are free and the Adviser can call you back if you’re on a mobile. Click here for more details.
Your university will also have a Student Counsellor to help and advise you.
