The Do’s and Don’ts of Freshers’ Week

It’s that time already. You’re packed, fresh-faced and already lined your stomach.

It’s Freshers’ Week!

You’re in for a week (or maybe two) of non-stop events, parties and social gatherings. Whether you’re in your first, second or third year, Freshers’ really is one of the most memorable moments of your student life.

We’ve put together a few do’s and don’ts to help you along the way.

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The Do’s

Be polite and approachable

Freshers’ Week is your chance as a student to meet people, try new things, immerse yourself in campus culture and just have a damn good time.

First impressions are everything and no one wants to be around the Grinch who stole Freshers’ Week, so it’s important to show your best self and be open to getting stuck in right from the get-go.

Attend key events

While there are some events you might want to skip (I mean do you really want to go to a foam party for the fifth time?), you should try your hardest to go to all the key events that happen during Freshers’ Week.

From Freshers’ Fairs to your course introductions, it’s a good idea to add all the key events to your phone calendar to make sure you don’t miss a second of it.

Register with a local dentist and doctor

You might think you have time during the semester to do this, but with assignments coming in thick and fast, before you know it, it’ll be the end of the year.

Freshers’ Week is also your chance to get some much-needed life admin. Making sure you register at the local dentist and doctor can help you avoid a very long trip back home, especially if you have ongoing conditions that require immediate attention.

Most universities have their own health centres on campus.

The NHS has loads more information to help you find the best option.

Eat your greens and drink water

In fact, just make sure you’re eating at least two meals a day. With all the excitement of Freshers’ Week, it can be easy to think to yourself that you’re way too busy for food, so you might find yourself running on breakfast bars and toast.

Nope. It’s super important to make sure you’re well-energised during the week.

It also might just help you beat that God-awful Freshers’ flu.

Looking for some inspiration? We have five recipes so easy, a six-year-old could make them.

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There’s plenty more where that came from. Check out our top tips for Freshers’ Week

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The Don’ts

Don’t buy groceries from the campus corner shop

Unless you’re grabbing yourself a granola bar and a cola, doing your weekly shop at the campus corner shop is a no-go.

Even though it might be a convenience, it’s ridiculously expensive. University campuses are always near a town or a city, so a quick bus trip to the local supermarket will save you lots of money (and give you much more choice).

Don’t overstretch yourself

A very famous New Yorker by the name of Lady Gaga once said; “No sleep, bus, club, ‘nother club, ‘nother club, bus, no sleep.” It really doesn’t have to give all of that…

Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement, and as much as you might want to say yes – Fresher’s Week isn’t a dramatic improv session.

Listen to your body, keep track of everything you’re doing and make sure you leave plenty of time to get those all-important zzz’s in.

Don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with

You’re going to be surrounded by a lot of new experiences – not all of them great.

If you feel pressured into anything or just feel really uneasy about an event, it’s perfectly fine to sit it out. As much as Fresher’s Week is all about being introduced to a new way of life, it’s also a great time to gauge what works for you and set some boundaries very early on.

You don’t have to drink, you don’t have to attend every party and you certainly don’t need to explain yourself. It’s your experience and you deserve to be comfortable.

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From budget-friendly meals to looking after your mental health, we’ve got loads of advice to help you thrive during university.

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Don’t skip orientation and course meeting

THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. Unless you’re ill or there’s an emergency, there’s no real reason why you should miss orientation and your course introduction.

Orientation is important because you’ll need to know where everything is around the campus. Winging it could be fun, especially if your campus is huge. But it’s easy to get lost and it won’t be cute to walk into your first lecture late (some lecturers have been known to lock doors).

Your course introduction is vital as you’ll be meeting your coursemates, course leaders and lecturers for the first time. It’s also where you’ll receive your course overview.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it

Freshers’ Week is over stimulating and it can be hard to reach out if you need it.

Your university should have contacts to help you with anything you need during your first few months and beyond at university.

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Hear what our team had to say about their Freshers regrets!

Overall, Freshers’ Week is your chance to carve out a thriving social life, make friends and get to grips with university life. It should be a time to enjoy and begin the journey of self-discovery. Or just get really drunk if that’s your thing…

Good luck and have fun!