Best advice you could give to a fresher?
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Original post by Smack
Go out as much as possible in freshers. Try and meet as much people as possible - don't just consign yourself to your flatmates, you've got all year to get to know them. Don't be afraid of one night stands or flings. Take some food with you, but more importantly, alcohol - preferably something that you can share. Keep your door open at all times, unless you're sleeping or masturbating. Take as much things as possible, like Xboxes, Wiis, etc. that you can use to help socialise.
Premarital sex and masturbation are both sinful, I really don't know why you are glorifying them
Stock up on beechams. I lost my voice for the first fortnight of uni, and got freshers flu every consequent term, plus every now and then during term-time.
So many students, so many germs....
So many students, so many germs....
This thread has made me realise how much i'd love to be a fresher again! I don't think I just speak for myself when I say though, that the actual first week of freshers won't be the same as the rest of your time at uni (it should be loads better).
In your first week or two, you'll probably be feeling home sick, overwhelmed, SO tired, anxious etc..but it's still really important that you do all the things everyone suggested..going out, talking to anyone, doing things you wouldn't normally do..it's true that the friends you make in freshers aren't always the ones you'll stick with, but they make meeting new people easier in general.
Sounds cliche but alcohol really does help..the first morning, you're bound to have tons of funny stories about last night that you can share with your flatmates. Be pleasant to everyone and they'll be pleasant to you in return..don't be the person who gets in an argument in the first week!
For me, the months afterwards were the best, when I didn't feel home sick and was getting into the swing of things.
Try and get the work/going-out balance sorted after the first month or so...sitting in your room studying whilst your flatmates are out drinking is never fun, but neither are re-sits! When it comes to the important stuff, do it properly.
Just enjoy yourself, and good luck!
In your first week or two, you'll probably be feeling home sick, overwhelmed, SO tired, anxious etc..but it's still really important that you do all the things everyone suggested..going out, talking to anyone, doing things you wouldn't normally do..it's true that the friends you make in freshers aren't always the ones you'll stick with, but they make meeting new people easier in general.
Sounds cliche but alcohol really does help..the first morning, you're bound to have tons of funny stories about last night that you can share with your flatmates. Be pleasant to everyone and they'll be pleasant to you in return..don't be the person who gets in an argument in the first week!
For me, the months afterwards were the best, when I didn't feel home sick and was getting into the swing of things.
Try and get the work/going-out balance sorted after the first month or so...sitting in your room studying whilst your flatmates are out drinking is never fun, but neither are re-sits! When it comes to the important stuff, do it properly.
Just enjoy yourself, and good luck!
Your first year will go so quickly, enjoy it whilst you can!
Unpack a few things when you get there, especially your bedding. Putting your bedding on can brighten the plain uni room you'll get and make it feel a bit more homely. If you can, stick a few photos up to remind you of home, they can really help in the first few days. I left my door open whilst I was unpacking so that people knew I was there, it helped with introductions as you could just say "hi" to people, get to know a few names. Once parents have gone is when you get to know the people around you a little bit better.
Try and get involved with events, whether they have been organised by the SU or your flatmates are planning a night/trip out. It's a great way to meet people and discover a new city. You'll discover the places you like and places that aren't so good. Many offer deals during freshers week and have student nights the rest of the year. They don't all have to be alcohol based either, we went to comedy events, coffee shops, meals out, cinemas. Our uni hadn't planned much during the day, and so it was up to us to discover things to do and find places.
You will more than likely get freshers flu due to their being lots of new people, lots of late nights, lack of sleep etc. Take some stuff with you so you're prepared. Tissues, Cough mixture, cold and flu tablets and strepsils should cover it. Don't be afraid to have the odd 'night off' from freshers. We had a few nights where we'd sit in the common room and watch DVDs, so we still got to know each other, but were sleeping at slightly more reasonable times.
You speak to people during freshers who you probably won't speak to or see again during the year. However, make an effort with everyone. The same questions will be asked again and again: name, subjects you took at A Level, the grades you got, the course you're doing, the halls you're living in, where you're from. It's all part of getting to know each other. Try and remember a few things about people even though you'll get loads of the things mixed up. It really is the one time where you can ask people these questions without feeling stalkerish!
You may not have internet in the first few days. We had to wait until registration two days later to find out Usernames and Passwords. It may seem a little bit frustrating but it's actually a really good thing, as it forces you out of your room to socialise.
Take LOTS of pictures. The year goes so quickly and it's nice to look back at the pictures and see how you've changed.
Learn a few skills before leaving home if you haven't already - cooking and washing clothes are the big ones. There will be people at uni who don't have a clue how to do these things. It makes life a bit easier for you if you can do these things and helps with your independence. Yes, you can get ready meals/take aways and get your clothes washed at home, but it's nice to do these things for yourself.
There may be moments when you feel a bit homesick. Try and stay at uni for as long as you can, as going home could make it worse. Weekends are when a lot of socialising takes place as no-one has lectures to attend. It is nice to have a few weekends back at home though once you've settled in to uni life.
Don't forget to attend lectures....you are paying for them after all!
Have fun, make the most of it
Unpack a few things when you get there, especially your bedding. Putting your bedding on can brighten the plain uni room you'll get and make it feel a bit more homely. If you can, stick a few photos up to remind you of home, they can really help in the first few days. I left my door open whilst I was unpacking so that people knew I was there, it helped with introductions as you could just say "hi" to people, get to know a few names. Once parents have gone is when you get to know the people around you a little bit better.
Try and get involved with events, whether they have been organised by the SU or your flatmates are planning a night/trip out. It's a great way to meet people and discover a new city. You'll discover the places you like and places that aren't so good. Many offer deals during freshers week and have student nights the rest of the year. They don't all have to be alcohol based either, we went to comedy events, coffee shops, meals out, cinemas. Our uni hadn't planned much during the day, and so it was up to us to discover things to do and find places.
You will more than likely get freshers flu due to their being lots of new people, lots of late nights, lack of sleep etc. Take some stuff with you so you're prepared. Tissues, Cough mixture, cold and flu tablets and strepsils should cover it. Don't be afraid to have the odd 'night off' from freshers. We had a few nights where we'd sit in the common room and watch DVDs, so we still got to know each other, but were sleeping at slightly more reasonable times.
You speak to people during freshers who you probably won't speak to or see again during the year. However, make an effort with everyone. The same questions will be asked again and again: name, subjects you took at A Level, the grades you got, the course you're doing, the halls you're living in, where you're from. It's all part of getting to know each other. Try and remember a few things about people even though you'll get loads of the things mixed up. It really is the one time where you can ask people these questions without feeling stalkerish!
You may not have internet in the first few days. We had to wait until registration two days later to find out Usernames and Passwords. It may seem a little bit frustrating but it's actually a really good thing, as it forces you out of your room to socialise.
Take LOTS of pictures. The year goes so quickly and it's nice to look back at the pictures and see how you've changed.
Learn a few skills before leaving home if you haven't already - cooking and washing clothes are the big ones. There will be people at uni who don't have a clue how to do these things. It makes life a bit easier for you if you can do these things and helps with your independence. Yes, you can get ready meals/take aways and get your clothes washed at home, but it's nice to do these things for yourself.
There may be moments when you feel a bit homesick. Try and stay at uni for as long as you can, as going home could make it worse. Weekends are when a lot of socialising takes place as no-one has lectures to attend. It is nice to have a few weekends back at home though once you've settled in to uni life.
Don't forget to attend lectures....you are paying for them after all!
Have fun, make the most of it
On a nerdy note, print of all notes you need as you go and actually be organised. Leaving it all until the week before your final exams will make you have several mental breakdowns - which also happens to be a part of first year!
Write out anything you need, and try to actually take notes in class, whether it be on a laptop or by hand. Speaking of lectures, tutorials, etc.... go. Doesn't matter if you're hungover and practically asleep, still go. There WILL be someone there in a worse state than you are. And get to know the people in your classes more than the people you live with, as there's a good chance you'll end up being closer with them.
Oh, and do all of your assignments, presentations, group projects, etc, as early as you can. Last minute project work is a complete stress and it's just not really worth it. You'll do it once and vow never to do it again. It's not worth the mental stress, really.
As for actually getting to know people, above all make the effort no matter how nervous you are... It's always a tad awkward to actually start a friendship for the first few weeks, so you can't just sit there or cling to the two people you do happen to know or already talked to - try be friendly. And avoid pointless drama, although thankfully by university people have grown up somewhat. :P And as most posters already said, going out is one of the quickest ways to get to know people and make friends... it doesn't always have to involve coming home at 4am falling over - although those nights are mostly good too!
Most importantly... don't spend the entire time stressing about grades, GPA, etc... It's important, but I think first year is the year to settle in, get into good habits, and have an AMAZING year. But don't party so hard that you fail your exams and have to repeat it!
Write out anything you need, and try to actually take notes in class, whether it be on a laptop or by hand. Speaking of lectures, tutorials, etc.... go. Doesn't matter if you're hungover and practically asleep, still go. There WILL be someone there in a worse state than you are. And get to know the people in your classes more than the people you live with, as there's a good chance you'll end up being closer with them.
Oh, and do all of your assignments, presentations, group projects, etc, as early as you can. Last minute project work is a complete stress and it's just not really worth it. You'll do it once and vow never to do it again. It's not worth the mental stress, really.
As for actually getting to know people, above all make the effort no matter how nervous you are... It's always a tad awkward to actually start a friendship for the first few weeks, so you can't just sit there or cling to the two people you do happen to know or already talked to - try be friendly. And avoid pointless drama, although thankfully by university people have grown up somewhat. :P And as most posters already said, going out is one of the quickest ways to get to know people and make friends... it doesn't always have to involve coming home at 4am falling over - although those nights are mostly good too!
Most importantly... don't spend the entire time stressing about grades, GPA, etc... It's important, but I think first year is the year to settle in, get into good habits, and have an AMAZING year. But don't party so hard that you fail your exams and have to repeat it!
Original post by Jessticles
And get to know the people in your classes more than the people you live with, as there's a good chance you'll end up being closer with them.
Yep, this is definately true, in upper years you're more likely to be living with coursemates than your halls flatmates.
As Jessticles also said attend all your lectures/tutorials/seminars/lab sessions. As repeating first year can be a very expensive business given the credits don't count towards your degree.
However, you need to go out and enjoy yourself too, once you get into working life, you won't be able to go out socialising every night (which is good as it means your money lasts longer :P)
Original post by Jordanaimee
Sad thing is ........
Its the truth .
She even had her own separate set of cutlery, that she had for christmas
COME ON , WHO HAS CUTLERY FOR CHRISTMAS
Its the truth .
She even had her own separate set of cutlery, that she had for christmas
COME ON , WHO HAS CUTLERY FOR CHRISTMAS
Jordan I can't believe you're bitching about me and my cutlery on a FORUM!
Original post by InvisibleGInger
Jordan I can't believe you're bitching about me and my cutlery on a FORUM!
Ohhhhh it's gonna kick off! *gets popcorn*
Go our the first night because it's the first day of meeting people and you'll make friends fast. Make an effort to meet your house/flat mates. Unpack when you get there but don't lock yourself in your room.
Get food shortly after arriving else you'll get tied up with having a good time and forget. Have lots of fun in freshers week, but remember to do your work throughout the year you don't want to be playing catch up 2nd year or struggle because you're not used to the work load. Maintain a healthy balance
Get food shortly after arriving else you'll get tied up with having a good time and forget. Have lots of fun in freshers week, but remember to do your work throughout the year
you don't want to be playing catch up 2nd year or struggle because you're not used to the work load. Maintain a healthy balance 
Original post by InvisibleGInger
Jordan I can't believe you're bitching about me and my cutlery on a FORUM!
Look im sorry ok , but seriously , you could at least share it.
Not sure if it has been said but don't rush into forming housing groups, I've known numerous people who have fallen out or had to switch houses because they decided to live with people they had only known for a month. By the time you start second year, your group of friends will almost definitely be drastically different to the friends you had in the first few weeks.
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by Kt.b
Not sure if it has been said but don't rush into forming housing groups, I've known numerous people who have fallen out or had to switch houses because they decided to live with people they had only known for a month. By the time you start second year, your group of friends will almost definitely be drastically different to the friends you had in the first few weeks.
Agree with this, your generally best waiting until after the January exams, as by this time, your friendship group should be fairly stable
Original post by Rich_183
Go to the introductions to all the societies because they have freebies 
Do the council throw freebie parties for roadwork signs?
Original post by roarbanana
I'm genuinely terrified at the prospect of starting at university and especially the idea of the first couple of weeks. What piece of advice would you give to someone just about to start uni? For example, should you go out the first night or unpack and settle in? Should you bring food with you? Should you throw yourself into meeting people or let it happen naturally? All thoughts and snippets of advice are appreciated
The best advice I got was this:
Relax. Everyone is in the same boat.
If you drink bring alcohol or just bring a sweets tin, makes you seem friendly.
Socialise as much as possible, I wouldn't do anything too mad on the first night we stayed in, drank and talked, some even went to bed early. Just go with the flow and take it easy, there will be plenty going on all week.
But definitely get yourself out there; everyone is exceptionally friendly during freshers make the most of it. Take numbers and names of coursemates but also people you get on well with, facebook is a good idea.
Enjoy your first year! Don't worry too much during first term, but I would do some more during second and third. Just to ensure you keep your head above water.
I have an odd question. How soon is reasonable/a good idea to visit/be visited by your boyfriend??
Im assuming not the first weekend, but is the second weekend too soon??
xx
Im assuming not the first weekend, but is the second weekend too soon??
xx
Original post by Kanonoji
Beware the bear goggles and for the sake of your bank balance, don't go to strip clubs whilst drunk and armed with a debit card
Voice of experience...?
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