The Student Room Group

Freshers week

Can someone tell me what normally happens during freshers week? I’ve looked up what my uni does but I can’t drink alcohol and most of the events include that stuff btw. Do I need to sign up somewhere? Do I just go to the uni?
Original post by SomeoneYouKnow34
Can someone tell me what normally happens during freshers week? I’ve looked up what my uni does but I can’t drink alcohol and most of the events include that stuff btw. Do I need to sign up somewhere? Do I just go to the uni?


In the daytime there should be plenty of non-alcohol events where you can go and explore the societies, sports clubs, etc. and your course will probably have introductory sessions where you can meet the people you'll be working with. The evenings are what freshers is usually talked about which can involve lots of clubbing and drinking but these are usually unofficial events ran outside of the uni. You can of course go to all of these sober if you are comfortable to. There are some sober social events too for example my course had a sober social along with a drinking one.

I would imagine your uni will contact you after results day with the schedule of events where you can book on to the sessions you want to attend or at least give you a schedule of events. Things like society fairs don't usually require a sign up you just turn up on spec the day it is running. For evening events (if you are interested) you usually have to buy a ticket be that from the students union or from an app like Fatsoma which lists clubbing tickets. In this case you tend to talk to people in WhatsApp chats before uni and get the vibe of what people are doing or wait until freshers week itself to see who you meet to work out what you want to go to :smile:
what normally happens is you try to get with a girl who makes you question your sexuality, then you get curious about the LGBT society, probably start a journey of gender dysphoria, start to feel self-conscious, escape with drugs, end up late to every class and dropping out.
Thank you for your kind response
(edited 1 year ago)
Original post by SomeoneYouKnow34
Thank you for your kind response


oh sorry, you're probably going to avoid all that anyway, as for your case there are plenty of people who go to parties and don't drink, just don't go alone, find a group of friends first. going alone and not drinking is very anti-social, as you won't have random people come up to you, even if you do, they would still notice your inhibitions/non-confidence and blow you off
(edited 1 year ago)
Original post by SomeoneYouKnow34
Can someone tell me what normally happens during freshers week? I’ve looked up what my uni does but I can’t drink alcohol and most of the events include that stuff btw. Do I need to sign up somewhere? Do I just go to the uni?

Hi @SomeoneYouKnow34

As others have said, lots of non-drinking events happen during the day normally, such as academic sessions, campus tours, and some do tea and chat events etc. Lots of societies also run taster sessions during freshers week which helps you meet lots of people. As others have said, you can go out sober if you're comfortable to, and most unis run some alcohol free events in the evenings as well. Some unis you will need to sign up for things others you don't, it may be worth checking with the uni you're going to.

Hope that helps and enjoy uni!
Kat
@SomeoneYouKnow34 there are lots of people like you going to university. You're not expected to be a party all the time. Freshers week actually consists of a lot of freebie fairs (my favourite thing!), free dominos pizza at the freebie fairs, there will be society fairs, sports fairs, the students union will hold a lot of events, in person or online, games you can participate in, with prizes usually being some university merch! These are a lot of fun, definitely get involved in them. The events run by the students union are also a good way to meet your students union officers.

A good thing to do is to invite/go with flat mates to these events, to the freebie fairs etc. It's a good way to get to know each other and have fun in a non-alcoholic environment without any potential awkwardness.

When freshers week is approaching, look online for your universities freshers week, they should have a list of events lined up, so you can see in advance which ones you want to go to and plan accordingly! Societies will also be hosting taster sessions, these are a lot of fun to get involved in, meet new people, and find societies you want to join long term.

I hope you have a fantastic freshers week, and that this alleviates some of your worries

- Rosie
Hi @SomeoneYouKnow34,

Freshers can be advertised as just for those drinking or the main part is to go out to the parties but there is lots more that goes on in the days and the evening, so that it is inclusive for everyone.

There will be a fresher’s fayre where you will be able to find out about all the societies at the Uni and will be able to see if there is anything you would like to join. Also, there will be lots of information on services and support at the uni as well as lots of freebies and goodies to collect.

During the day there are likely to be events on such as campus tours and trips to explore the local area but also in the evening there may be movie nights and games nights as well as chances and opportunities to get to know other people and make friends. As has been mentioned lots of the groups or societies will also have time where you can go and give it a go and see how you find it and if you would like to join.

I would keep an eye on your university website as the closer to the first day of term the more information will be put online and before long I am sure your fresher’s week will be bursting with activities for you to look forward to

Have a great first year

Luke -Portsmouth Student Rep
Reply 8
is it okay that i'm nervous about freshers but excited about uni? the nerves are so bad that its making me question whether i wanna go or not
Original post by SomeoneYouKnow34
Can someone tell me what normally happens during freshers week? I’ve looked up what my uni does but I can’t drink alcohol and most of the events include that stuff btw. Do I need to sign up somewhere? Do I just go to the uni?


I don’t drink and I had no problems when I went out I usually drank J20 (orange and passion fruit if you haven’t tried maté it’s so good) thee is no pressure or at least I never experienced the worst was :

Him: Why aren’t you drinking Jon?
Me: I don’t drink.
Him: Why
Me : I just don’t like the taste of beer or wine
Him: fair enough
See no problem also there are so many society’s where drinking is the sole focus like sports teams while there will be socials they won’t hold you down and force you to drink and the film club well that’s about films not getting smashed.
Original post by SomeoneYouKnow34
Can someone tell me what normally happens during freshers week? I’ve looked up what my uni does but I can’t drink alcohol and most of the events include that stuff btw. Do I need to sign up somewhere? Do I just go to the uni?

Hello there,

It's wonderful that you're looking forward to freshers' week! It's a terrific way to start your university career and meet new people. Freshers week often consists of a combination of social events, information seminars, and activities designed to help you adjust to university life.

While many parties may involve alcohol-related activities, those who do not drink or choose not to drink usually have plenty of alternatives. You can usually expect this events during freshers week. You will attend sessions in which university professionals will present you to the campus, its amenities, and resources. They will also provide vital course and academic information.

Universities frequently conduct a fair where various clubs, societies, and student groups display their offerings. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore your interests and hobbies while meeting like-minded people. University-led tours will help you become acquainted with your new surroundings, which will include classrooms, libraries, sports facilities, and other amenities.

Movie nights, gaming nights, and even non-alcoholic mixers are examples of Fresgers events. These are fantastic opportunities to interact, socialise, and meet new people.

Workshops on study skills, time management, and other critical skills for university success may be offered. Some institutions also organise community service activities, which are a great way to give back to your new community while also connecting with it. Some events, particularly workshops and activities with restricted seating, may require pre registration. Typically, this is done using the university's student portal or an event registration platform.

You don't have to sign up for freshers week as a whole; you can choose which events you want to attend. Most institutions will issue a schedule or event guide that includes information about each activity. If you are unsure how to register or participate, you can seek assistance from your university's student services or student union.

Remember that freshers week is all about getting the most of your university experience and enjoying it on your own terms. If you aren't comfortable with specific events, feel free to look into others that match your interests and values. You're about to start on a new adventure, and there's a whole universe of possibilities ahead of you!


Best wishes on your path to a more colourful life!

I hope this is helpful.
Kind regards,
Mrunali Kalbhor,
University of Sunderland Student ambassador
Original post by SomeoneYouKnow34
Can someone tell me what normally happens during freshers week? I’ve looked up what my uni does but I can’t drink alcohol and most of the events include that stuff btw. Do I need to sign up somewhere? Do I just go to the uni?


Hi @SomeoneYouKnow34 !

At most universities, there should be non-alcohol options. For example, a Freshers' Fair where they sell vintage clothes, CDs and DVDs. At this fair, societies will often set up stalls to advertise their societies with little freebies to hand out to students that approach them. Here you can find out all about the different societies and see which ones appeal to you!
Aside from that, there are usually cafe events where they offer cake and coffee/tea and you can chat to others and get to know them without alcohol.

There should be plenty of other events but often, you only find out once you first arrive on Induction Week. You could head to your Student Union and ask them what's available that doesn't include alcohol!

Best of luck! :smile:

Estelle
Second Year Psychology
University of Huddersfield

Quick Reply

Latest

Trending

Trending