Heading to university next month? Or returning for another year? Either way, something that every student looks forward to each September is freshers week. It’s a great chance to go out, explore your city and have some fun before term begins. If this is your first freshers week at your new university, you might not know how to plan for it without knowing your new housemates. Luckily, we have brought you the dos and don’ts of freshers week to help you feel a little more prepared.
DON’T – Book freshers wristbands
This is the classic mistake that almost every fresher makes. If you are in any university group chat, whether it be for your course or accommodation, you have probably met the wristband promoters. These people will try to sell you wristbands that will give you entry to a different club each night of freshers week. They will seem like a freshers week necessity and that, without one, you have no chance of going out. In reality, they are typically for the less popular and more expensive clubs and you will end up heading to none of the nights and wasting your money.
DO – Talk to your flatmates before buying tickets
If you’re heading to university in a new city, the chances are you won’t know anybody there. For the first week, your flatmates will be the people that you head on nights out with the most. This is why it is important to have the same freshers week tickets as them. There is nothing worse than meeting on the first night and realising that you’re all heading to different clubs and not knowing anybody to go with. If you already know your flatmates or have a group chat with them, chat to them about which nights you are interested in going to and buy tickets together. If not, hold off buying tickets until you get there, chances are there will be still be tons of club nights left.
DON’T – Feel like you have to go out every night
A week (or sometimes even longer) of straight nights out can definitely take its toll. Even though it can be easy for FOMO to get the better of us, remember that its okay to skip a night. If you’re feeling hungover, worn out, or can feel the fresher’s flu coming on, its better to get some rest. Not only will your body thank you, your flatmates will too. Nobody wants a sick or worn out person killing the mood!
DO – Remember to pace yourself
Everybody at university is different, some might have been going out and drinking for years, for others it may be one of their first times. It’s important to learn your limits and not feel pressured by what everyone else is drinking. No one will judge you for passing up on a few Jagerbombs, but they definitely won’t enjoy having to carry you home every night. Drink at your own pace and remember to drink water too!
DON’T – Leave friends alone or walk off by yourself
Clubbing is fun and exciting but it’s also important to remember that occasionally bad things can happen, especially when you aren’t familiar with your surroundings. Stay in groups and try not to leave your friends alone as it may be impossible to find them again.
DO – Chat to as many people as you can
Freshers week is all about meeting new people and making friends. Most of the time you won’t meet your best friends in a drunken club toilet conversation, but it might be a new friendly face around campus. Make the most of it, chat to everyone and have fun.