How to make the most of Freshers at Liverpool John Moores

Ellie Cullenon 12 September 2018
How to make the most of Freshers at Liverpool John Moores

So, you finally made it! You’ve received your results, packed your bags, and arrived at one of Britain’s greatest cities. This guide is here to help put your mind at ease and show you how to make the most of your first week as an LJMU student.

1. Use your free time to get to know your flatmates

When your family have gone and you’re awkwardly sitting in your new dorm room, it would be easy to put on your headphones and binge some Netflix. Here’s my advice: don’t.

If you have a doorstop, or anything heavy enough to act as one, prop your door open and make it obvious that you’re willing to socialise. Odds are, your new flatmates are feeling as overwhelmed as you, and now is a perfect time to break the ice.

Friends TV show 'four claps' GIF

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2. Meet new people

If you’re living at home, or your flat seems eerily empty, don’t panic! There are other ways to meet people that don’t involve inviting them into your living space.

During your induction events, consider starting a conversation with those around you. You all ended up at the same uni for a reason, right? You must have something in common with them.

Austin Powers 'Allow myself to introduce... myself' GIF

Source: Giphy

3. Familiarise yourself with the city

This can be done between your introductory events, before a night out, or in the early morning when the city is just waking itself up. Liverpool is bigger than a lot of people give it credit for, which can mean that it’s all too easy to get lost.

Take your timetable and the maps provided by your Student Union to work out where your lectures will take place; believe me, you don’t want to be running around looking for the Redmonds Building when you’re late for a lecture.

Disney 'Definitely Lost' GIF

Source: Giphy

4. Read what’s in your induction folder

Speaking of the Student Union, it can be a godsend. Read the booklets they give you to get a feel for what’s happening in Liverpool and on your campus. Also, if you’re ever feeling lonely, their base is a good place to hang out and meet new people. It’s situated in the John Foster’s Building and tends to smell of freshly made toast. (So basically, it’s a little bit like heaven.)

Cat reading book GIF

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5. Go to the Freshers’ fair

Okay, this is an obvious one but it’s important. Even if you don’t feel like you have anyone to go with, take advantage of the free buses that are set up to take you from your dorm to the fair. You’ll not only receive free food and pens, but you might also find a society that is just waiting for you to join it.

Monsters University Art Club GIF

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6. Experience the nightlife

If you’re conscious of spending too much money during Freshers, don’t feel like you need to buy special event wristbands, especially if going out isn’t really your thing. Instead, consider having a normal night out in the town, even if the idea of it feels like hell on earth, and you might be pleasantly surprised by the experience.

Visit the Cavern Club - described on its website as the ‘birthplace of the Beatles’ - and hear all about how Paul McCartney returned to play there just a few weeks ago, or join the locals down at Bongo’s Bingo. (Yes, it is as odd as it sounds, and tickets sell out fast!)

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7. Don’t feel pressured to enjoy yourself!

People who disliked Freshers often remark that they felt like they should be having more fun. Don’t pre-occupy yourself with that. Instead, make settling in your priority and if fun comes with that, then great! If not, you have approximately 30 other weeks that could be the highlight of your student experience. It’s normal to feel homesick and it’s normal to second-guess the decision to go to university. Just try not to let those thoughts drag you down.

Star Wars 'I want to go home and rethink my life'

Source: Giphy

I hope these tips help you enjoy your time as a Fresher at John Moores, and that you enjoy your first year at one of the best universities in England.

Not that I’m biased or anything.


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Ellie Cullenon 12 September 2018