No matter how you got there, it’s happening soon. Here we aim to take some of the anxiety-inducing mystery out of starting your time at uni.
So you’re about to be a fresher, going to seminars and societies. There’ll be a whole week all about you guys when you get there, and then you’ll be diving right in. But some people say that the first year doesn’t count. And then there’s the horror stories you’ve heard from your older sibling about halls.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Time to bust myths and shed light on what starting uni is actually like.
What’s it like moving onto campus?
There will usually be a particular day you can start collecting your key. Your uni will give you a rundown of that, so keep your eye on your inbox. Each campus will have different specifics but the general advice is the same.
That move-in day will be frantic but exciting, purely because of the number of new students arriving at their halls of residence. Other than what you’ll find in our guide to a stress-free move, our best advice here is to get there early to avoid being delayed by how busy your campus is.
Take your time to settle in and make your little corner of campus feel like home. Everyone else will be doing the same. But the moment you’re feeling settled, go say hi to your flatmates. You’re all in the same boat, so get some courage going and have a chat.
What happens in Freshers’ Week?
Firstly, you’ll have to enrol and collect your student ID. This opens up access to the uni library and student discounts. Then there will be introductory talks from the university’s chancellor, your department and your course tutors. To top it all off, there are usually events put together by the uni itself or the Students’ Union, like Freshers’ Fair.
Obviously, you can see how important enrolling and collecting your ID is, but you may have some reluctance with the introduction talks. To be the voice of reason, try to go to all of them. But if you can’t for whatever reason, at least try to go to any directly related to your course. Always good to know things like structure, syllabus and reading lists.
What is Freshers’ Fair?
(Or whatever they call it at your uni)
It’s another thing you should make an effort to attend tbh. All the societies will be there, alongside sponsored stalls that may be appropriate for students. Joining a society is one of the best ways to find friends with common interests and you’ll be able to ask them all about their activities at this fair.
If that’s not enough to roll you out of bed, the sponsored stalls often give away free stuff. Bits of stationery, food, other miscellaneous stuff. Brands like Dominos often show up to this sort of thing.
Down it, Fresher!
Now we turn to the parties and club nights happening in Freshers’ Week. Everyone and their mum will be putting on events. Go to them if you want. Don’t feel like you have to because everyone else is. Those of you who don’t drink may even dodge the infamous freshers’ flu if you don’t go to the sweaty club nights.
If you do find yourself at any of these events and the associated pre-drinks, enjoy yourself but don’t push past your boundaries. People telling you to “down it, fresher” or singing “we like to drink with [...]” don’t actually have any power to compel you to do it. Decent people will respect the strength needed to assert yourself.
Does the first year of uni count?
What people mean when they say it doesn’t is that it won’t be added to your overall grade at the end. There are reasons to take it seriously though.
Firstly, you still need to pass the year to progress. Secondly, the rest of your time at uni is built on the foundations you set in your first year. That year exists to get everyone who came from different colleges and subjects to the same level. Don’t ruin your chances before they start adding things up to a final grade.
Tips for a smooth start to uni
- Actually look at the reading lists. Lectures may refer to ideas introduced in the essential reading. Each list will have tiers: read the essential and pick the interesting stuff from the rest.
- Try to keep attendance as high as possible. We know that 9am lectures are unappealing, but at least make yourself a known presence. Good relationships with tutors will help in later years.
- At least look at non-compulsory assignments. Ideally, you should be doing everything they set you. But if you’re stretched to max capacity, just thoroughly look over any optional tasks.
- Don’t hook up with a flatmate. You will regret it.
How are you feeling about the start of your uni adventure? Get ready to fight off the inevitable illness with our guide to surviving freshers’ flu.
