Are you starting university this autumn? The first day of university can be nerve-wracking. From finding your way around campus to making friends, there’s a lot to think about. Fortunately, freshers’ week gives new students a chance to settle in before their studies commence. To help you with the transition, we’ve put together a few tips for surviving (and thriving) during freshers’ week 2023.
What is Freshers’ Week?
So, what happens during freshers’ week?
Put simply, freshers’ week is a welcome period for new students to get oriented before classes start. The university organises events for first-year undergraduates to help them settle into university life. Typically, this includes activities, networking events, workshops, course inductions, campus tours, and introductions to the various university clubs or societies. Of course, there are also plenty of freshers’ parties for new students to make friends and blow off some steam.
The main goal behind freshers’ week is to give students a chance to adapt to their new life before the hard work begins. For instance, getting to know their way around campus, meeting their classmates, and touring their new city.
For most undergraduates, this is their first time living away from home. Therefore, freshers’ week is also a great opportunity to get the hang of doing your own laundry and cooking your own meals.
When is Freshers’ Week 2023?
The exact dates of freshers’ week vary depending on the university. That being said, it typically runs from the end of September up until the middle of October.
Some universities hold a two-week freshers’ week, while others stick to a week. To find out when freshers’ week 2023 is, check on your university website. If you’re unsure, it will normally start the week or fortnight before your first week of classes begins.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Freshers’ Week 2023
Freshers’ week is a lot of fun, but it can be easy to burn out before your university life even starts. Follow our 7 survival tips for freshers to get the most out of freshers’ week 2023 without burning the candle at both ends.
1. Set Aside a Budget
Doing a degree is pricey. You will have to budget for food, accommodation, books and study supplies, plus an active social life. As such, it’s a great idea to start budgeting from day one. To do so, make a list of your university costs, other expenses, and income. Then, calculate a weekly budget (always leaving some money aside for emergencies).
Your maintenance loan could take a while to come through, so make sure you have enough money set aside to cover your expenses until it does.
With so many social events, freshers’ week can be expensive. If you plan to attend a lot of freshers’ events, we recommend getting a freshers’ pass or wristband. This will get you discounted admission to events during the week.
2. Get Your Admin Out of the Way Early
The last thing you want to be doing during freshers’ week 2023 is standing in a queue or doing a ton of paperwork. Therefore, our advice is to get your paperwork out of the way early so you have time to enjoy freshers’ week and avoid long queues.
For example, make sure you have the following documents ready to go before freshers’ week starts:
- Your acceptance letter
- Photo ID
- Passport pictures
- Council tax exemption (if needed)
- A list of the books you need for your course
The more prepared you are for freshers’ week, the more you’ll be able to relax and enjoy it.
3. Find a Part-Time Job
One way to keep your finances on track at university is to find a part-time job. This will cover some of your outgoings and help you build valuable skills. Just make sure you leave plenty of time to study and enjoy university life.
With so much competition, we recommend starting the job search early. To make sure you are job-ready for freshers’ week, make a CV well in advance. Your CV should focus on the soft skills you learned at school and your own personal brand.
To find part-time opportunities near you, check out student and graduate job boards.
4. Take Advantage of Your Student Discount
One of the biggest perks of being a uni student is the student discounts. Almost every business offers some sort of deal for students, especially during freshers’ week. So, make sure you get your NUS card as soon as possible. A student card will get you vouchers, coupons, and discount codes to use for almost everything. We suggest getting in the habit of asking if there’s a student discount any time you make a purchase. It’s a great way to save some coins.
5. Sign Up for Clubs and Societies
The university freshers’ fair is a must for every new student. Not only will you nab lots of free merchandise, but you can check out the clubs your university offers.
Joining clubs and societies is a great way to make friends and integrate into university life. Plus, extracurricular activities will look good on your CV when it comes to finding a graduate job. Our advice is to avoid signing up for clubs that have a sign-up fee unless you are really sure you’re going to keep it up. Joining a few clubs that you are really passionate about is definitely better than signing up for every club out there.
6. Make Friends
Perhaps one of the most daunting parts of starting university is making new friends. It can feel awkward to strike up conversations with strangers, especially if you’re shy. However, meeting new people is all part of the university experience.
Whether you don’t know anybody or you’ve got a few friends already, making friends is important. Start off by joining Facebook groups at your university. This is a great way to find out what’s on around campus and get chatting with new people. Sometimes it’s easier to initiate a conversation online, so social media is a fantastic place to start.
If you’ve moved into your university halls of residence, try keeping your bedroom door open as you unpack and settle in. This will make you seem more welcoming, encouraging people to pop in and say hello. What’s more, hanging out in the common areas will make it easier to strike up conversations with your new flatmates. We recommend bringing some sweets or snacks to offer to people as a way to break the ice.
Outside of your living quarters, joining university clubs and societies will introduce you to a wide array of like-minded new friends. Plus, it’s a chance to get adventurous and try something new. A word of caution though, don’t sign up for too much during freshers’ week. You will still need time for your classes, to study, and to relax.
7. Don’t Overdo It
Freshers’ week is full-on. With so many events to choose from, it can be easy to overdo it. Not only is this bad for your health (hello Freshers’ flu), but it’s bad for the purse strings too. To avoid burning out, be selective about the events you go to. After all, a night in with your new flatmates is the best way to make friends during freshers’ week.
The occasional night in will recharge your batteries and help you get to know your roommates without the loud music and pricey drinks. Why not bring along some board games and snacks for a games night with your new mates? Trust us, your wallet will thank you for it.
Final Thoughts: Freshers’ Week 2023
University is one of the best experiences of your life. It’s a chance to grow, learn, and discover yourself. We hope our survival guide for freshers’ week 2023 will help you get the most out of your first week on campus and set you up for success.
Looking for your dream job? Be sure to check out our dedicated Student and Graduate Jobs Board for fantastic opportunities in your area.
Our website has a wealth of valuable resources for students and graduates, including CV writing tips and advice on writing an impactful cover letter. If you have specific questions, feel free to contact us or sign up for the free Developing a Student email newsletter with the form below.
