Forget your 18th birthday, starting university is often seen as the true transition from childhood to the adult world. “Figuring it out” may be a large part of uni life but, luckily, you’re not expected to navigate this alien world alone. Guides galore are filled with tips to help you survive your first encounter: Freshers’ Week.
We’ve gathered the best advice (and our own expertise) to offer an overview of those exciting first days.
Move it, move it
By this point, you should’ve already packed your essentials (see University transition: What toiletries to take). The next step is moving in. Whatever accommodation you’ve secured, you’ll receive an induction pack with a breakdown of the steps to officially move in. We recommend a full check of your room and other amenities to identify any damages, report them early and avoid liability later.
Most accommodations schedule move-in for the week before Freshers’ week. If you get the earliest arrival slot possible, you’ll have longer to settle in and get ahead on general “sorting-out” tasks.
You should definitely:
- Collect student ID (your magic key to everywhere)
- Confirm enrolment
- Register at your local GP (in case Freshers’ Flu hits you harder than it should)
You should probably:
- Connect to the Wi-Fi
- Set up a budget, meal-plan and food shop
- Figure out the laundry (don’t wait until your last pair of underwear – most student laundrettes have fancy apps you’ll need to get the hang of)
- Get to know your neighbours (future bff, partner, nemesis?)
Last of all, check out the Freshers’ schedule. It’s the whole point of Freshers’ Week, after all!
Freebies, fun and friends
It’s a long-running joke that students are always strapped for cash, but the reality isn’t so funny: a StudentBeans report found that 90% of you worry that money problems could affect your experience (and you’re not wrong to be concerned). Prospects suggests you may need £100-£300 just to keep up with the Joneses during Freshers’ Week.
For budget-goers, we recommend focusing on uni-led events. They’re usually free to attend and often provide food. Make the most of giveaways, an array from tote bags and pencils to peri-peri sauce and contraceptives. To save even more, subscribe to student discount apps like StudentBeans, which offer promotions from a range of companies, from beauty and wash kit brands to takeaway hotspots. Victoria Green offers a 15% student discount on all products!
The Sports & Societies Fair is unmissable. There’s no shame in going alone; in fact, we encourage it. University events are the perfect place to practise independence, with safeguarding and support services in place. Plus, sports clubs and societies are where you’ll likely meet your closest friends, so you won’t be going solo for long.
Dance, don’t chance
Wild nights out, binge drinking and hangovers have long been the uni stereotype. Did you know this is changing? Student Beans’ Freshers Report found drinking culture is decreasing, with 50.1% of respondents planning to stay sober.
If you do like to drink (or don’t but love to party), many clubs run special Freshers’ events with reduced entry fees and discounted beverages. Unlike campus events, we advise against going alone. Don’t let the joy of newfound independence become naivety – darkness, strangers and intoxication are a dangerous mix. Safety equipment, like drink covers, and apps, like Safezone, can minimise risks however nothing protects you like a friend.
Option A: No friends yet? Don’t worry. If you haven’t found anyone you trust so far, delay your visit. We promise, the club isn’t going anywhere, and you’ll enjoy yourself far more with someone watching your back.
Option B: Already made friends? Perfect. Get comfortable with them before going out by meeting at someone’s place and getting ready together. Take your go-to products in a cute make-up bag, share tips, swap outfits, and build the rituals that make nights memorable long before you reach the club.
'Mia' Large Makeup Bag in Leopard Tan | Victoria Green
Bye-bye comfort zone
Freshers’ Week offers just a handful of the opportunities for self-discovery that university life brings. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Embrace that spirit, and you’ll get not just a degree, but experience, confidence and lasting friendships.