Freshers week
Monday 29 October 2007
If you're starting Uni soon then you will probably be looking forward to Freshers Week. Being away from home in a strange city with new people can be a bit daunting. So what can you expect?
Starting out
Freshers Week is designed to help you get your bearings in a new environment. It's a way for you to meet new people, make friends, find your way round your college and check out the options for activities you can get involved in during your time at college. It is also a time to party!
Get practical
There will be many opportunities for social events throughout the first couple of weeks but make sure you sort out the practical stuff first.
- Make sure you register with the department for your course otherwise they might not know you are there!
- Get yourself a map of the campus and of the area where you are living and go for a long walk to check everything out
- Check that everything is sorted with your student finance. Find out more about student finance.
- If you're living away from home, unpack and make your living space comfortable. Put some familiar objects around your room to help it seem like home.
- Get insurance for your belongings!
- Register with a local GP
- Get a Students' Union card - this is your ticket to a huge host of opportunities not to mentions savings. This card will get you into many night-clubs cheaply, get you discounts at quite a few shops and food places, and most importantly, will get you into the Students' Union.
- Go to the library and get a library card.
- Have a look at your timetables and reading lists
Fresher's Fairs
Your student union will probably have a large hall where clubs and societies will be hosting their own stalls during the week. This is your chance to join a club or society and perhaps try something totally different.
Banks and local business often also have a presence at the fresher's fairs. Local entertainment, leisure facilities, restaurants, clubs, pubs, insurance agencies, travel agents, mobile phone companies, taxi services and recruitment agencies are all present to offer discounts and packages geared towards students.
However remember they are interested in attracting new customers - think carefully about the pros and cons of any services before signing up. In particulat don't be drawn to make decisions on banking without considering all the options first.
The university health care, counselling, welfare services and other agencies, all usually have stalls at the Freshers' Fair so you can get information and find out how to access support if you require it during your course.
Party on!
Freshers Week is practically guaranteed to be the most fun week of your life! You will meet countless people and perhaps also share more than a pint or two with many of them. Some of them you may never ever see again after the first two weeks and some will become lifelong friends.
Before you embark on a rigorous party schedule however remember the practical things as this will save you lots of hassle later. And as always have fun but be safe!
