Six things you should do during fresher’s week

Freshers Week is the ultimate introduction to student life in the UK. The first week is a great way to meet new people, trying new things and sign up for activities. 

 

Here are six things you should do during fresher’s week:

 

If you only go to one event during fresher’s weeks, it should be the freshers fair. This fair will have representatives from student societies, local businesses that offer jobs, companies that offer products, and services that you might be interested in as well as local voluntary groups that you can join. 

 

Have a look around and collect information on things that will be useful and of interest to you. It can be overwhelming, with lots of people asking you to sign up with them and lots of information thrown at you. Take the leaflets to read when you get home, they will all contain social media information for you to get in contact if it appeals to you.

 

From sporting to debating or videogaming, join a university society that interests you. Most UK universities have at least 100 societies dedicated to all types of interests. This is a great way to meet new people with similar interests to you. 

 

As an international student, also look out for societies run by students from your country, as they will organise regular get togethers to cook and celebrate festivals from back home, which will help you feel less homesick.

 

You will later be given an opportunity to run for a position of responsibility like president or treasurer, which will look great on your CV in the future. Many subjects will also have a society, giving students an opportunity to attend networking events and trips relevant to their course.

 

 

UK fresher’s week is famous for the nightlife. UK students love to party, and without any pressure to study yet, they often use fresher’s week to indulge in going to clubs and pubs. The good thing with fresher’s parties is that no one knows each other, so everyone is eager to make friends and swap numbers. 

 

Remember to be safe whilst enjoying the nightlife, just because there are events planned every night does not mean you should attend them all. Only use licenced taxis, try to stay in a group with housemates or at least swap phone numbers with your housemates and never leave your drink unattended. It’s okay if the university drinking culture is not right for you, there will be plenty of non-drinking activities too like karaoke, film nights or sports events.

 

Registration is an important part of fresher’s week. You should have registered online before you moved into your accommodation. Once you arrive you will need to register with your department and collect your ID. You will be sent an email before registering with a list of the documents you will need to bring to registration and the allotted time for you to register with your university. 

 

 

Your academic calendar will be light for the first week, so it is a good time to get to know the campus and start sorting out things like joining the library.

Campuses can be big and confusing places with lots of hidden buildings and confusing names, so go exploring whilst you have time and figure out where your classes will be, so you don’t get lost when your classes start.

 

You will usually be given a map or can find one online, some universities may have an app that includes a map and directions to help you get around.

 

Get to know what your campus has an offer. Most UK universities have shops, restaurants, bars, a laundrette, a gym, and even a doctor on campus.

 

 

Explore the city or town that you will be calling home. Learn how the public transport works, where the shops and other amenities are and if there are any supermarkets and restaurants where you can pick food you love to eat!