Every year, fresh-faced university students embark on what they expect to be the best week of their lives: Freshers’ Week. While this period—known as ‘Welcome Week’ here at York—is a dream for some, packed with clubs, drinks, and late nights, it can feel like a nightmare for others. Personally, I don’t enjoy drinking, I get overwhelmed by loud noises, and I find large crowds intimidating. I envisioned myself hiding alone in my room with nothing but Netflix for company. However, my week turned out to be quite the opposite—and I didn’t step foot in a single nightclub. For my fellow Fresher-fearers, here are a few tips to ease your anxiety.
Coffee vs pint
Despite the stereotype, not every uni student loves a drink-heavy night out. In fact, most of my uni friends are like me, in that they prefer a coffee over a pint, a clear head over a hangover. I was very lucky with my flatmates. When I shyly admitted that I didn’t really want to go out that first night of Freshers’ Week, to my surprise, they agreed. I realised I wasn’t alone.
Instead, we ventured to our College’s garden music session. We had a lovely night of chatting and acoustic jamming, whilst those who wanted to drink could bring their own. With the Warren – Vanbrugh’s favourite hang-out spot – just a minute’s walk from our rooms, we simply wandered back when we were tired. By being honest about what you actually want to do, and setting those boundaries for yourself, it means that your Freshers’ Week can also be a time of making really great friends. If a long club night isn’t for you, it’s better to seek out people who enjoy the things you enjoy. It will make for more solid friendships in the long run.
Your College events won’t just be club nights
Your College teams ensure that the Welcome Week events are inclusive, so there’s always something for everyone. My timetable included everything from duck-feeding (we’re at York after all) to karaoke – a Vanbrugh Arms special. There was no obligation to go to everything. You can pick what you feel like doing, which really helped me feel I was in control. There will be lots of events happening in the day as well as the evening, so if you feel like having an early night to yourself, you won’t be missing out on getting involved.
Explore your new city!
York doesn’t just boast an impressive number of drinking spots, it also has a wealth of coffee shops. Plus you’ll never get bored of things to do. That first week can be a great opportunity to go and explore your new city, as well as being a good friendship-fostering activity. You’d be surprised by how much figuring out the buses and getting lost in the Shambles can turn out to be a fantastic bonding experience. Take your student ID and visit the Minster for free. You won’t ever forget that first visit, for it is truly spectacular! Wander through the Museum Gardens and enjoy some rare Yorkshire sun, or set about finding your favourite coffee spot. I highly recommend Alma café or Hepni Bakery. It’s a truly wonderful city that you won’t ever get tired of.
A Final Thought:
It’s highly unlikely that Freshers’ week will be the highlight of your university experience. There are so many moments during your degree that will stick out to you, mainly because they will be small, unexpected, unpressured. If you are feeling terrified – I’ve been there. I now look back on that first week with huge pride at how much I pushed myself, but also with fondness for how much fun I managed to have despite my worry. Seek out those people feeling like you, and make sure to look after yourself. It’s a good chance to push yourself out of your comfort zone, but don’t neglect your own wellbeing. Enjoy the campus ducks, take a late night visit to see our Long Boi statue, indulge in a sweet treat or two, and remember that your feelings are valid, and very normal. You’ve got this!
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