“This is the most permissive moment of your life - a time when, incredibly, you are granted all the freedoms of being a responsible citizen while not bearing responsibility for so much as buying your own bogroll.”*
So goes an article in The Times regarding University students during Fresher’s Week, words which suggest endless partying and drunkenness for some and homesickness and awkward initial meetings with roommates for others. Whether this is your first taste of freedom away from home or not there is likely to be some form of debauchery taking place, however don’t lose sight of your finances, or your studies.
Exciting times
If you’re going to be living away from home for the first time it’s quite likely you’ll be excited about your newfound freedom; no rules, no curfews, and no parents to tell you off. Enjoy it, you’ve got into Uni and you’ll be experiencing many new and wonderful things this year, this is the week to celebrate!
You’ll meet many new people throughout the year, however Fresher’s Week provides the icebreaker with events, clubs, and the Fresher’s Fair. The latter is an opportunity for clubs and societies to put up stalls enticing people to join. Many different interests are catered for, from scuba diving to rifle shooting to kayaking, and you’ll able to get student discounts. Local businesses may also have stalls here, another good way of getting to know what’s around, but remember they’re there to attract customers - consider something carefully before you sign your life away.
Those that love to party can expect to have the week of their lives. There’ll be events on every night; check out the Student Union Bar, notice boards, and keep your eye out for flyers. Thankfully University events are cheap in terms of booze and entrance fees, meaning you can go to as many as possible!
Fresher’s Week usually ends with the Fresher’s Ball, a late night event where students from other years are also invited to attend. Don’t pack your ballgown though, it’s not as formal as the name suggests; there’ll be music, a dancefloor, a bar, and plenty of excited students.\n\nDon’t panic
Don’t worry about not fitting in or people not liking you. Everyone, absolutely everyone is in the same boat as you during Fresher’s Week. Clichéd as it may sound, relax and be yourself, be chatty and smile lots!
You may find yourself missing the little things: your mum’s cooking and having someone to do your laundry. You’ll just have to deal with the laundry unfortunately, but if you’re missing wholesome food there are healthy eateries aplenty in London which won’t break the bank. You could also try cooking for yourself if you have kitchen facilities; it’s cheaper and could be an opportunity to impress your new friends.
The best way to avoid a hangover is obviously to not overdo it, but as alcohol is such an easy way to break the ice and get people talking it’s likely you’ll suffer from a few this week. Eating before drinking will reduce the chances of slurring your words after your first two pints. Eating something before you go to bed and drinking plenty of water helps too. If you do wake up feeling like your head is being drilled into, there really aren’t any miracle cures; sleep it off if you can, drink water, and eat – preferably something healthy to replenish the salts and vitamins you’ve lost.\n\nThe essentials
Once you arrive, unpack and make your living space homely. Take pillows and blankets (there might not be any bedding, in any case you’ll want your own), some cutlery and plates, and stationery, unless you’re planning on buying these things later. If you’ve brought expensive equipment like a laptop, CD or DVD player, you might want to think about getting insurance for your belongings.
Sort out the practical stuff first: register with a local GP, register with the right department at Uni (so they’re aware you’ve arrived!), get a Student union card, check your timetables and get a library card. This way you’ll have the rest of the week to be a social butterfly and can avoid traipsing around town or filling in forms with a hangover.
If you want to meet as many people as possible, make use of the communal facilities in the halls. Bring our own kettle/wine glasses/toaster or fun things like shot glasses, board games or DVD’s so you can invite your new friends round to make use of them and bond.
Always be safe. If you’re not living on campus, make sure you have a safe way of getting home, either with other people or by cab. London cabs may be pricey but they’re worth every penny if it means staying safe, but first make sure it’s a licensed company. Addison Lee are particularly good, they send you a text to let you know they are on their way and another once they’ve arrived, and they are always punctual.
Take it easy. Do take advantage of your newfound freedom, but you have another three or four years of University life to enjoy. Keep an eye on your finances to avoid blowing your student loan in the first week; if you need advice there should be a financial adviser at your University on hand to help.
Take condoms and don’t gamble with your health, you don’t want to start the year worrying about STD’s or unwanted pregnancies. If you are concerned about anything don’t be embarrassed to visit a GP for advice. No one is going to disapprove of you being sensible and taking care of yourself.
Finally, if you don’t live in the student halls, that doesn’t mean you’ll have any less chance of having an amazing week. Go to all the events at Fresher’s Week and mingle with your fellow students. This is your time!
* Jack Malvern, 2008, The Times
