Although Fresher’s week can be one of the highlights of your first year at university, it can also be a pretty daunting prospect! Here are a few pearls of wisdom on how to survive and make the most of freshers’..
Be Prepared
Whether it’s stocking up on fancy dress, piling up the hangover food or simply psyching yourself up for a week of full on socialising, being prepared is key! It’s going to be a busy week and having everything you need already with you will only make it easier to enjoy it. However, if you don’t feel you’re quite sorted with everything, don’t worry! Your STYCs (Second and Third Year Contacts) will be around all week to help you out.
Attend the Introduction Sessions
The management school run a big introduction session in the middle of freshers’ week, which usually involves team activities such as a scavenger hunt around the city centre (also really useful for getting to know the city a bit better). I would highly recommend you attend these (no matter how hungover)! It was during these events that I met some really close friends, and it’s always nice to have a friendly face to see in those 9am lectures.
Go to the Fire Talk (this is an important one!)
The fire talk is compulsory for everyone living in uni accommodation, and you will be fined if you don’t go, so make sure you make an appearance! As uninteresting as it may seem, you will learn some really good information that could come in very useful one day.
Take Advantage of the Freshers Fair
Every single society on campus will be there, as well as local businesses (there is always free Dominos!), so get down and sign up to as much as you can, and it’s always fun to see who out of you and you flatmates can come away with the most free stuff! Even if you think some of the societies you signed up to aren’t something you particularly want to pursue, the majority of societies offer free taster sessions, so just give it a go! The bus companies also do great deals on bus passes at these events, which might not sound the most exciting thing, but it could end up saving you a lot of money in the long run.
Ask Your STYCs
Your STYCs will be with you all week, so any questions you have about anything, just ask them! It will only have been a year or two since they were in the same boat as you, so will be able to offer great advice. Even if you think it’s something that they might not be able to answer themselves, they will always be able to point you in the right direction.
Make it Your Own
It’s your freshers’ week, so make sure you do what you want to do! There is obviously a big focus on drinking and going out (which is great if it’s your thing) but for those of you who aren’t so keen on the idea, there are always exciting alternatives. There are so many things going on in the colleges and through YUSU, there really is something for everyone!
But Most of All, Have Fun!
Freshers’ is an amazing week (I’m quite jealous you all have it to look forward to)! You will meet many new people, some who will become solid friends, and have experiences quite unlike any others. So use this time as an opportunity to put yourself out of your comfort zone a bit and to try new things, and always remember that everyone else is in the same boat as you!
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