18 tried and tested things everyone should do in their first year of university

Natalia Wilkowskaon 11 October 2021
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Are you ready to make the most of your first year as a Fresher? Make sure you don't miss a single thing with this list.

If you’re in the UK and you’ve just started university - congratulations, that makes you a Fresher. And, if you are looking for ideas to keep Freshers’ Week alive for as long as possible, then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to do as a Fresher to make the most of your first-year.

1. Eat free Domino’s pizza at Freshers’ Fair

If you’re wondering where you should go as a Fresher, start with Freshers’ Fair. Grab some awesome freebies like pizza, Krispy Kreme doughnuts and shower gel. As there are no limits on how much you can take, make sure to queue up time and time again. 

2. Seek out your tribe at Freshers’ Fair

Looking for a way to find your tribe at university? Head over to the chess stall, the dog soc or even physics soc to connect with your future BFFs. 

3. Hit up Wetherspoons 

Splash your new coupons at the closest Spoons. Not only can you get discounted drinks for your night out, but a full English for less than a fiver to nurse your hangover the next day. 

4. Represent your new crib

Grab one of those oh-so-expensive university hoodies and walk around campus looking like everyone else. 

5. Talk to people at Freshers’ stalls just for the free chocolates

You might only walk away with a measly Celebration, but just hope it’s not Bounty. 

6. Get lost in your new home

Try not to use Google Maps as you navigate your new neighbourhood for the first time. Use your first weeks of sweet freedom to explore and get to grips with your surroundings. 

7. Go on a campus tour

Led mainly by other students, you’ll be given insider tips on the best supermarkets to go to, where you can grab cheap drinks and the best bars and clubs in town. 

8. Make the most of off-peak cinema tickets

What’s better than being able to watch a new release at 1pm on a weekday? Knowing that the cinema will be empty and it’ll only cost you a £5 ticket. Freedom never felt so good. 

9. Explore the surrounding areas

Whether you’re a short train ride from London, Birmingham or Leeds, why not make the most of your free time with a day trip?

10. Go to all the parties

We’re not keeping score or anything, but your housemates might be!

11. Shop in the reduced food section

Being a student is awesome, but you’ll be on a tight budget in the first-year, so make sure to maximise your pennies with this money-saving hack.

12. Get a free haircut

Yes, you read that right. You can get free haircuts from trainee hairdressers. Just don’t expect too much. 

13. Eat packet noodles for a week 

Sometimes your budget just won’t stretch to vegetables, and that’s OK. Plus, they taste pretty damn good. 

14. Try to clean your bedsheets

Do this at least once, please.

15. Cry over the workload

Luckily, first-year grades don’t normally contribute to your overall grade.

16. Pull an all-nighter

This probably won’t be a one-off.

17. Switch up your look

Whether you want to wear flared leggings, dye your hair pink, or you want to grow a mullet, first-year is the time to do it.

18. Go to a ball

Be Cinderella for a night and hit up the Christmas Ball. The best part? An excuse to go shopping with your pals. 

Being a Fresher is a carefree time to explore yourself and your city, so how many of these can you tick off your list?  

Natalia Wilkowskaon 11 October 2021