Freshers ‘ Week is the most exciting time for any student; well, any first-year students that haven’t yet discovered 7 Things to Add to Your Freshers Week Bucket List
Freshers Week is one of the most exciting parts of starting university. It’s your first chance to meet your new flatmates, make friends on your course, explore your new city and start settling into your new home.
There’s no one way to do Freshers Week. You might be ready to go out every night, or you might prefer a quiet night in with your new flatmates. You might join three societies, discover your new favourite coffee shop or simply spend the week figuring out where everything is.
Whatever your plans look like, there are a few things worth adding to your Freshers Week bucket list.
1. Get to grips with your budget
We know budgeting isn’t the most exciting way to start university, but your future self will thank you for it.
Work out roughly how much you have coming in and what you need to spend on essentials such as food, travel and accommodation. Then set yourself a weekly spending budget for everything else.
You don’t need to have it completely figured out from day one. Just keeping an eye on your spending can make a big difference when you reach the end of the month.
2. Say hello to your new flatmates
Moving into a new flat can feel a little strange at first, especially when you’re surrounded by people you’ve never met before.
Leave your door open while you’re unpacking, pop into the kitchen or simply introduce yourself when you see someone in the hallway. You don’t have to become best friends immediately. A simple “Hi, I’m…” is a pretty good place to start.
Before you know it, you’ll be sharing meals, watching films and wondering who keeps leaving their mug in the sink.
3. Go to the Freshers’ Fair
The Freshers’ Fair is one of the easiest ways to find out what’s happening at your university and in your new city.
You’ll probably come home with more tote bags, pens and freebies than you know what to do with, but it’s also a great opportunity to discover societies, sports clubs, student services, local businesses and events.
Even if you don’t sign up for anything, have a look around. You might find something you never expected to be interested in.
4. Try something new
Freshers Week is the perfect time to step slightly outside your comfort zone.
Try a society you’ve never considered, go along to an event on campus, join a sports session or explore somewhere new in your city.
You don’t have to commit to everything you try. Freshers Week is about finding out what you enjoy, meeting different people and figuring out what your university experience might look like.
5. Make food a social thing
Food is an easy way to bring people together, especially when you’re all getting used to your new kitchen.
Why not suggest a flat dinner, cook together, have a movie night with snacks or put together a simple meal before heading out?
You don’t need to be the next MasterChef winner either. Even making pasta together counts.
It’s less about what’s on the plate and more about having an excuse to spend time with your new flatmates.
6. Make plans that work for you
Freshers Week can sometimes feel like everyone else is doing more than you are. They’re going to more events, meeting more people and somehow managing to be everywhere at once.
Try not to get caught up in it.
Go to the nights out you actually want to go to. Say yes to plans that sound fun. Stay in when you need a break. There are plenty of ways to meet people that don’t involve a night out.
You don’t have to make every night unforgettable. Sometimes the best memories come from the plans you didn’t expect to make.
7. Find your local essentials
One of the quickest ways to start feeling at home is to get to know your new area.
Find your nearest supermarket, pharmacy, coffee shop and places to grab a quick bite. Have a look at what’s within walking distance and figure out the easiest routes to campus.
And when you do your first food shop, don’t forget to check for student discounts, loyalty schemes and reduced items. Your student budget will thank you for it.
Most importantly, enjoy it
You don’t need to have your entire university experience figured out during Freshers Week.
Take plenty of photos, talk to new people, explore your surroundings and give yourself time to settle in. Some friendships will happen straight away, and others will take a little longer.
There’s no right way to do Freshers Week. Just make sure you’re enjoying it in a way that feels right for you.
