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Freshers' Week
From first hand experience:
- Many unis publish Freshers' Week schedules on their websites or on the Students' Union website (you might also find people who know about them on TSR). Finding out what’s happening in advance might give you a headstart on what fancy dress outfits you need!
- Get there early because otherwise it will take you days to unpack because you will be really busy!
- Make sure your door is open while unpacking so people can see you exist - guaranteed way to meet people.
- As soon as you know one person go round knocking on everyones door in your flat/block. You will be less nervous in a pair and then you can meet quite a few people. Get them to join you on your rampage as soon as you meet a new person.
- When you first arrive, make your bed. Then when you get tired of unpacking/meeting people and don't want to unpack anymore you have a refuge for the night.
- Make sure you have some cash on your first night for drinks in the bar, there may not be a cash point close at hand.
- Don’t be afraid to start up random conversations with people you just happen to be standing next to while waiting for something – that is how you make your new friends. Chances are, they're just as nervous as you and will welcome the chance to have a conversation without having to start it themselves!
- Wear comfortable shoes to the endless registration meetings, you will be queueing for quite a while.
- Remember to take things like pens and your diary with you to registration and the Freshers' Fair if there is one - it'll help you to keep track of what you've signed up for / email addresses / websites etc.
- If your room has a sink get some serious disinfectant and use it straight away (unless you like the idea of cleaning your teeth at the same sink as a previous resident has most likely peed or thrown up in.
- Put things on the wall of your room straight away it helps you feel at home.
- Get something to use as a doorstop (suggestions include old cutlery, Gideons bibles, corkscrews and many more) to help with meeting people - also a big sign with your name on your room door.
- A big tin (say, Roses or Celebrations) filled with sweeties/biscuits/choccie bars will make everyone want to come round.
- Get your computer set up so you can put on some music - nothing too controversial for the moment. You'd be surprised how many people will come and say "Hey! I love that song!" or use "Hey I heard the music earlier..." as a conversation starter.
- Plenty of smiling is needed!
- Get ready to embrace the age-old custom of queueing all day in order give a piece of paper to someone and then get your photo taken!
- Try to meet as many people as possible, i.e. make good friends with those on your floor, but be on first name terms with everyone.
- Don’t sign up for everything at your Freshers’ Fair if they want money straight away. Put your name down, go away and think about it.
- Girls - If you're looking for a way to get to know your other female housemates (or male, whatever floats your boat) and fancy being creative at the same time. Get some Fimo or similar (modelling clay) and some jewellery fixtures.
- If not everyone you live with is as friendly as you are, don’t worry. Don't assume that just because you live with someone you will get on with them. You’ll make plenty of friends outside of halls so you don’t have to feel like a social outcast!
- Go to as many social events and organised things as possible. It may be exhausting, and you're unlikely to remember everyone later, but the more people you meet now, the more you can say "Hey I remember you!" to later.
- Always make sure you carry all the right paperwork and ID to all the registration events, and always make sure you are in the right queue - saves time later!
- Don't stop talking to random people just because freshers' week finishes... keep going and keep meeting people. As people settle in they will be more relaxed and everyone will feel less like they are on best 'friend-making' behaviour.
- Plan your budget for Freshers week. Many people spend too much on alcohol and don't have much money left for other activities or for further on in the year, planning in advance always helps.
See Also
