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Freshers Week

Hi guys, so I'm starting at Reading this September and I wondered what actually happens in Freshers week? I'm quite shy and I'm not a fan of partying, but I really want to try to make as many friends as possible, but is there a way to do it without being smashed every night, and will people think I'm boring for not partying as much?
(edited 7 years ago)
Reply 1
Honestly, it all depends on the people you meet. I was unlucky enough to end up in a flat with people who wanted to go out binge drinking every single night of freshers, and we never ended up becoming friends because I'm such a quiet and introverted person and they're all so extroverted. In fact it's been very awkward living with them, so my situation has been kind of the worst case scenario for me!

However, you will make friends with people on your course. They're much more likely to have similar interests to you. I met my current friends at uni through someone on my course, so even for someone in my bad position, you can make friends by doing things other than getting smashed all the time.

You can try to go out a couple of nights in freshers week just to try it and see if you enjoy it or not, but please don't force yourself to drink loads if you don't enjoy it, it's really not for everyone and as you get older you'll meet many more people who don't drink all the time. I won't lie to you though, at this age, most socialising seems to be done through drinking.

You will meet friends though, as long as you try to come off as friendly as possible in the first few weeks of uni, and don't be afraid to talk to people you don't know. Most people are strangers to each other here and will be glad to talk to someone friendly!
Student working at the Cole Museum
University of Reading
Reading
Visit website
Original post by Ruthypops
Hi guys, so I'm starting at Reading this September and I wondered what actually happens in Freshers week? I'm quite shy and I'm not a fan of partying, but I really want to try to make as many friends as possible, but is there a way to do it without being smashed every night, and will people think I'm boring for not partying as much?


Hi,

I wouldn't worry too much. My flat in first year was quite mixed, so there were some loud ones (me) and some much quieter ones, and because we were mixed we got on quite well. Like the quiet ones, would still sit in the kitchen with us if we pre drank, they didn't drink but they would still chat and socialise, so that's an option. Also there are lots of other fresher activities, which aren't alcohol based. There are normally quizzes, cinema trips, pizza nights and things going on, which you can normally find on facebook pages, I think there was a 'R U Not Drinking society' and they had lots going on in my first year. Also last year the students union made sure that JCRs (the people which organise freshers for your halls) ran events in the evening that weren't just about going out. So look out for those. Also lots of the sports clubs and societies run taster session, so I went to a kayaking one and there was a bbq afterwards.

So there is lots going on, which isn't alcohol based, so just look out for those. Hope this helps and feel free to ask any other questions.

Emma :smile:
2nd Year Human and Physical Geographer
Reply 3
Original post by bathquan
Honestly, it all depends on the people you meet. I was unlucky enough to end up in a flat with people who wanted to go out binge drinking every single night of freshers, and we never ended up becoming friends because I'm such a quiet and introverted person and they're all so extroverted. In fact it's been very awkward living with them, so my situation has been kind of the worst case scenario for me!

However, you will make friends with people on your course. They're much more likely to have similar interests to you. I met my current friends at uni through someone on my course, so even for someone in my bad position, you can make friends by doing things other than getting smashed all the time.

You can try to go out a couple of nights in freshers week just to try it and see if you enjoy it or not, but please don't force yourself to drink loads if you don't enjoy it, it's really not for everyone and as you get older you'll meet many more people who don't drink all the time. I won't lie to you though, at this age, most socialising seems to be done through drinking.

You will meet friends though, as long as you try to come off as friendly as possible in the first few weeks of uni, and don't be afraid to talk to people you don't know. Most people are strangers to each other here and will be glad to talk to someone friendly!


HI thank you so much for the reply, this has made me feel a lot better xx
Reply 4
Original post by UniofReading
Hi,

I wouldn't worry too much. My flat in first year was quite mixed, so there were some loud ones (me) and some much quieter ones, and because we were mixed we got on quite well. Like the quiet ones, would still sit in the kitchen with us if we pre drank, they didn't drink but they would still chat and socialise, so that's an option. Also there are lots of other fresher activities, which aren't alcohol based. There are normally quizzes, cinema trips, pizza nights and things going on, which you can normally find on facebook pages, I think there was a 'R U Not Drinking society' and they had lots going on in my first year. Also last year the students union made sure that JCRs (the people which organise freshers for your halls) ran events in the evening that weren't just about going out. So look out for those. Also lots of the sports clubs and societies run taster session, so I went to a kayaking one and there was a bbq afterwards.

So there is lots going on, which isn't alcohol based, so just look out for those. Hope this helps and feel free to ask any other questions.

Emma :smile:
2nd Year Human and Physical Geographer


Hi!
This has helped so much and made me feel so much better! Thanks for explaining it all to me, I'm so excited now and a lot less stressed! :smile:
Ruth x
Reply 5
I don't drink and my freshers week last year was fine! I went to a couple of non drinking events including a home comforts cafe, and took part in sports fair tasters and try outs! You will find people like you and like the post above there's always options :smile: You may find yourself going out once but really there's no pressure! People hype uni (including freshers) to be this massive party boose fest and yes, there are people who treat it like that especially in first year, but it's not what everyone is like!

Good luck on your a levels if you have them to do! Enjoy your summer and get excited for September :smile:
Reply 6
Original post by RooRoo1
I don't drink and my freshers week last year was fine! I went to a couple of non drinking events including a home comforts cafe, and took part in sports fair tasters and try outs! You will find people like you and like the post above there's always options :smile: You may find yourself going out once but really there's no pressure! People hype uni (including freshers) to be this massive party boose fest and yes, there are people who treat it like that especially in first year, but it's not what everyone is like!

Good luck on your a levels if you have them to do! Enjoy your summer and get excited for September :smile:


Thank you so much!! This was so helpful!!! I feel a lot better now and I'm really excited. what kind of things happen during the day in freshers week? Do we have a lot of induction stuff to do? :smile: x
Hey, I am hoping to go to Reading in September as well, I don't drink really either and this was something that I was really worried about. It is really good to know that I am not the only person that is quite nervous/shy/worried about all of that kinda stuff. Don't get me wrong I love love love going to parties and having fun and being a bit wild but I can do all of that sober. I don't need a drink in me to have fun.
Reply 8
Original post by sophiegibbons12
Hey, I am hoping to go to Reading in September as well, I don't drink really either and this was something that I was really worried about. It is really good to know that I am not the only person that is quite nervous/shy/worried about all of that kinda stuff. Don't get me wrong I love love love going to parties and having fun and being a bit wild but I can do all of that sober. I don't need a drink in me to have fun.


Hi! I'm so glad I've found someone else!! What are you studying? X :smile:
Original post by Ruthypops
Hi! I'm so glad I've found someone else!! What are you studying? X :smile:


Same here, I am hoping to do English Literature and live in Sherfield Halls. What about you? X ☺️

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