AS another new University year comes around, another batch of young adults are set to embark on a new life journey - becoming a University fresher. And whilst Fresher’s week can be one of the most thrilling and sometimes daunting weeks of your life, our writer Becca Fadden has compiled a few bits of helpful advice to get you through this exciting time.
DO: get involved
Fresher’s week is the perfect time for you try new things, with your university offering a range of events for you to get involved with, and a range of societies to sign up to. Throw yourself into these events, they’re arranged especially for you to give a go and see if you can find a new hobby. Attend the fresher’s fairs and join some societies - these are all chances for you to meet new people and make some friends. You’ll never get the opportunities to do this once you’ve graduated so make the most of it!
DON’T: feel pressured to do anything you don’t want to do
Fresher’s week doesn’t have to be a week full of drinking and going out if that’s not what you’re into. There are so many other fun activities to do and so many other people who would rather do them so don’t feel pressured to do anything you’re not comfortable with. Everyone is different and your university will provide events and activities that cater for everyone’s tastes.
DO: meet as many people as you can
Whilst university can sometimes feel lonely, there are thousands of students in the exact same position as you so it’s the perfect chance to get out there and meet as many of them as possible. You’ve all got one thing in common - joining university and knowing no one so everyone is as eager to make new friends. Plus the more people you meet, the higher the chance you will meet someone who you can form a real and true friendship with.
DON’T: worry if you don’t meet your best friend right away
You meet so many people in the first few weeks of uni and can often feel pressured to cement these friendships and form close bonds with everyone. This normally isn’t the case. It can take months to truly find a group of likeminded close friends so don’t worry if these bonds aren’t instant. This is the same with flatmates in your student accommodation. Not everyone will be put in halls with people they click with so don’t panic if this is the case. You will find a new uni best friend at some point, it doesn’t have to be within the first week.
DO: remember the importance of staying safe
There are so many different things going on in the first few weeks of university so you can often feel a bit hectic and rushed off your feet. However, don’t let personal safety take a back seat. Some students get carried away with the new experiences and can put themselves in real danger,so know your own limits. Don’t put yourself in any risky situations, keep a clear mind and make good choices. Your university should provide you with safety information, take note of this and don’t do anything too irresponsible.
DON’T: panic if you start to feel homesick
Many new students will be moving away for the first time in their lives, often hours away from their home and their families. Whereas some students will be caught up in the fresher’s mania, it is completely normal to begin to feel homesick and miss home life and your loved ones. Chances are, more people will be feeling this than they are letting on. Give home a ring, or speak to a new friend about it. Help can come in all shapes and sizes, and your new friends will feel relieved that they are not alone in missing home. Don’t forget, if things get too bad, your university will have services in-house that can help you feel better so consult student wellbeing if things escalate.
Remember, this is the start of your next chapter in life, so most importantly, have fun!
