The fresher's survival guide

Freshers’ Week is all about trying new things. Whether it’s signing up for a random society, playing a new sport or tucking into some local foods, now’s the time for new experiences. You might surprise yourself and actually enjoy that party. Just keep an open mind and if you find it’s not for you, give yourself full permission to leave and find something else that sparks your interest. That’s what uni is all about. 

One of the fastest ways to make friends at uni is by joining sports clubs and societies. There’s something for everyone whether you’re into cricket or chess or even coffee! You’ll be amazed by how many clubs you can join. Whatever your hobbies are, sign up at Freshers’ Fair and you can meet students with similar interests. It’s loads of fun, and you can get to know people from beyond just your course or student accommodation. It’ll also look great on your CV when you’re applying for a graduate job.  

Use Freshers’ Week as a chance to explore your surroundings. Take a walk around campus and see if you can locate your lecture halls – you don’t want to be late to your first class. Is there a place nearby to grab a cup of coffee for your lunch break? Suss out the local area and see what’s close by. You can also see what the public transport is like if you’re taking the bus or tube. This will help you get your bearings and make the move to uni feel a lot less daunting. Remember, you’re going to be living in the best city in the world!  

Going to uni is nothing like school. There’s a lot more independent study and you’ll want to get organised quickly to keep on top of your coursework. While Freshers’ Week is lots of fun, try and get some of your important admin stuff out the way. Check out your timetable and plan your route to class. Find the laundry and gym in your student accommodation and style your student room. Register with a local GP and just familiarise yourself with your new space. It’s not the most exciting, but it’ll save you from stressing down the line. It’s also a good time to stock up your fridge with food for the week. You don’t want to start the year living on just takeaway.  

Making friends at Freshers’ might seem scary at first, but everyone’s in the same boat and just as nervous as you. Remind yourself you’re all new to uni and the awkwardness will ease up in no time. Introduce yourself, chat to other students and be friendly and open. Freshers’ Week is one of the best icebreakers you’ll get so go for it. The friends you make at Freshers’ could be friends for life. 

If you’re living in student accommodation, it’s really important to have a friendly relationship with your flatmates. You don’t have to be best pals, but it’ll make university life so much easier if you’re on good terms. Be respectful of your shared spaces, help with the cleaning and be prepared to compromise. Communication is key. In the first few weeks, talk about how you’ll split household chores and what you’ll do about food. Are you having a few shared items like milk, bread and bin bags? Or do you prefer an ‘each to their own’ policy? Whatever the case, talk about it early on so you don’t unintentionally strain your relationship. Maybe you’ll want to head to Freshers’ Week parties together while you’re still finding your tribe? 

You’re excited about Freshers’ Week and your first taste of freedom. It can be tempting to splurge on food and drinks, but you’ll need to be wise with your budget. If you’re planning a few big nights out, make sure you secure your event tickets ahead of time and keep track of your spending. Costs can add up quickly and you don’t want to be stretched for the rest of the month. Instant noodles can only sustain you for so long. 

Freshers’ Week can be pretty full on. It’s totally fine to miss a party or sit out an event. Prioritise what matters to you and give yourself some space to rest up so you can take on the next day’s adventures. There’s lots of activities that don’t revolve around alcohol. Even so, it’s important to know your limits whether it’s late nights or too much caffeine.  

Whether it’s Freshers’ Week or going to uni in general that makes you feel a little anxious, you’re not alone. Don’t put pressure on yourself to have everything figured out in the first week. It doesn’t need to be the best time of your life. There’ll be many more days to make friends and forge memories. University gives you a chance to reinvent yourself, but you don’t need to change who you are. Just be yourself and the rest will fall into place. 

Lastly, be safe. Be mindful of your surroundings when you’re exploring your city, going to parties, and walking back to your student accommodation. Always travel in pairs, keep an eye on your belongings and don’t leave your drinks unattended. You can have an amazing time at Freshers’ Week and after, but you still need to keep your wits about you.  

The start of your university life is the most exciting chapter of your life to date. You're young, you're living in London, and you've got three incredible years ahead of you. Whatever you get up to in these first few weeks, just remember to have fun and stay safe.

Read more: What every Fresher should know before starting university