Fresher’s Survival Guide

A veteran’s guide to surviving your first week at university

Fresher’s week. The first week at university. Everyone’s talking about it. With no parents, no lectures and a freshers’ party every night, it’s the most exciting and nerve-wracking time.

But you’re in luck.

Having made it to third year, relatively unscathed, my friends and I have been remembering the highlights and the mistakes of first year. I’ve turned this into some freshers advice for those of you who’s university journey is just about to start.

Should I join a university society?

“I regret not throwing myself in to university life and trying new things.” – Oli

When you arrive at uni make sure to visit the Fresher’s Fair, where you can find out about all the opportunities to join societies and sports clubs. Don’t be deterred by going on your own or trying something completely new as they will be welcoming and happy to have you on board.

Are freshers wristbands worth it?

“Don’t buy freshers wristbands they were a waste of money.” – Ellie

Freshers’ organisers offer freshers wristband, giving you access to all the freshers’ nights out. However, it is unlikely you will be out every night with most people succumbing to freshers flu, feeling tired or maybe just getting bored of chanting “We are Freshers” before the end of the week. If you’re already in touch with friends from your uni accommodation, plan which events you will buy tickets for giving yourselves (and your livers) time to rest.

“Make sure you are buying official freshers event tickets.” – Laura

Before University you may see adverts for unofficial freshers events. Be aware that most people will opt to go to the official Student’s Union freshers parties and you will probably be able to buy tickets for these during freshers week or shortly before.

“Don’t expect freshers to be the best week of your life.” – Hannah

Many students remember freshers as a let-down, especially in comparison t o the great times they have once they’ve settled into uni life. It’s okay if at first university isn’t what you imagined, soon you will be having nights out that are so good you don’t remember them!

What if I don’t make friends at uni?

“Don’t worry if you don’t find friends in your uni accommodation.” – Hannah

While some people immediately make friends in halls, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t. Making friends on your university course or through sports teams and societies is also very common. After all, you’re going to definitely have things in common with people on your course and the societies you join.

“Avoid prioritising friends from home over new university friends, especially if they are stopping you from having fun” – Oli

Whether they’re your childhood sweetheart or best friend from college, it can be hard to say goodbye to friends from home. Though you may feel home sick and miss them, seeing them too often may stop you from making new friends at uni. Make sure to remind old friends that your relationship won’t change and make plenty of plans with them over the holidays.

Are first year university marks important?

“First year marks don’t count, but don’t use this as an excuse to mess around.” – Matt

Typically, first year marks do not count towards your final degree mark. However, the skills and knowledge acquired in first year is transferable to the rest of your degree, spreading the work load across the three years will make life so much easier in the long run.

“You might dislike your university course at first.” – Lucy

“When people say A Levels are harder than a Degree, don’t believe them.” – Hannah

If you’re finding a university course hard or the content disengaging, don’t worry. So many people arrive at university unsure of what is expected at degree level. Unless your course is making you truly unhappy, our advice is to persevere, seek out help from tutors and friends and be prepared to work hard. Remember the reasons why you chose your course and that the university believed in you enough to give you an offer. You have every right to be there and leave with an amazing mark so don’t be disheartened.

And most importantly remember to have fun and make the most of what will probably be the best three years of your life!