University freshers week

I’m insanely nervous for freshers week. Like so so much. Im really not the going out type and I don’t have a lot of confidence and am just worried I won’t have a good time and I’ll end up being sad about it all. Any advice?

Original post by Alannah0412

I’m insanely nervous for freshers week. Like so so much. Im really not the going out type and I don’t have a lot of confidence and am just worried I won’t have a good time and I’ll end up being sad about it all. Any advice?

Hey @Alannah0412

I understand freshers week can be really scary, but honestly, from my experience everyone is in the same boat - I was also really anxious but most people are just really keen to make friends so it isn't as scary as it seems! There's also normally non-drinking events so don't stress if you don't enjoy the going out side of things. My other advice would be to not put too much pressure on freshers week, as there will be events afterwards and societies/clubs you can join that'll also help you make friends (someone in my flat was actually unwell during freshers week but still managed to make lots of friends at other events later on) :smile:

Best of luck with everything & please don't stress!

Natalie
University of Kent Student Rep

Reply 2

Alannah0412

OP

6

Original post by University of Kent

Hey @Alannah0412

I understand freshers week can be really scary, but honestly, from my experience everyone is in the same boat - I was also really anxious but most people are just really keen to make friends so it isn't as scary as it seems! There's also normally non-drinking events so don't stress if you don't enjoy the going out side of things. My other advice would be to not put too much pressure on freshers week, as there will be events afterwards and societies/clubs you can join that'll also help you make friends (someone in my flat was actually unwell during freshers week but still managed to make lots of friends at other events later on) :smile:

Best of luck with everything & please don't stress!

Natalie
University of Kent Student Rep

Thank you so so much Natalie you’ve made me feel a lot less pressure!

Reply 3

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

15

Original post by Alannah0412

I’m insanely nervous for freshers week. Like so so much. Im really not the going out type and I don’t have a lot of confidence and am just worried I won’t have a good time and I’ll end up being sad about it all. Any advice?

Hiya @Alannah0412,

Feeling nervous about freshers week is completely understandable. Many other new students are likely experiencing the same emotions right now. One of the first things to remember is that you don't have to feel pressured to go out or engage in any activities that you don't want to.

One approach you could use is to focus on activities that genuinely interest you. Attend clubs, societies or groups that cater to your hobbies. This might help you meet other people with some common ground, making it easier to initiate conversations and make some friends.

At Lancaster and I assume it would be similar at other unis, freshers week offers a range of events from big parties to more relaxed gatherings like campus tours and cupcake decorating. Opt to go to events that feel better for you (even if not totally comfortable). Engaging in some small talk and casual conversation might help you build some confidence in social situations.

Freshers week is just the beginning of your university experience, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to meet people and get involved throughout your time on campus. Be patient with yourself and allow the process of making to unfold naturally. It's okay to feel nervous or uncertain, especially during such a significant transition.

-Beth (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

Original post by Alannah0412

I’m insanely nervous for freshers week. Like so so much. Im really not the going out type and I don’t have a lot of confidence and am just worried I won’t have a good time and I’ll end up being sad about it all. Any advice?

Hey there @Alannah0412 !

Don't worry about feeling nervous, that's completely normal and a lot of people will feel the same. The best advice I can give you is try to push those thoughts aside because if you go in with a nervous and scared mindset, you won't find the confidence to approach people and make new friends. You've got to put yourself in the best position to make friends, whether that be joining a society or making a conscious effort to sit in the kitchen and socialise with your flatmates. I remember in first year the way I broke the ice with my flatmates is by bringing my TV into the kitchen and just sticking something on so we could all sit together and watch movies. It started up conversation and then gradually over time it made it a lot easier to speak to them. Things like that, putting yourself in the best position to socialise, are a great way to ensure you make friends and feel more comfortable with the people around you because it is a scary thing moving in with strangers but you've got to find a way to bring in the comforts from home and integrate them with your new environment.

You don't necessarily have to go out and get drunk all the time to have fun. The more you hang out with your flatmates and coursemates, the more comfortable you'll feel and those nerves will just shift themselves away. Find things that you like to do and suggest them to your flat. Even something like going for casual drinks at the pub, its something everyone can enjoy and you don't have to drink. Try and think about the things you'd usually do with your friends at home and how to bring those things into university life. It's never easy pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and I think the key to finding comfort in a new space is bringing those home comforts into everything you do at uni and soon enough it'll start to feel like home.

Hope this helped! You'll be absolutely fine...
Lucy - Digital Student Ambassador SHU

Original post by Alannah0412

I’m insanely nervous for freshers week. Like so so much. Im really not the going out type and I don’t have a lot of confidence and am just worried I won’t have a good time and I’ll end up being sad about it all. Any advice?

Hi!
I felt the exact same this time last year because I don't love going out especially with people I don't know. There will be plenty of events, activities and ways to make friends that don't involve going out so do not worry about that. Everyone will be feeling similar and so just talk to people, even if it feels awkward everyone will be talking to so many people that they probably won't remember your awkward interaction.
Hope this is helpful! Faye :smile:

Original post by Alannah0412

I’m insanely nervous for freshers week. Like so so much. Im really not the going out type and I don’t have a lot of confidence and am just worried I won’t have a good time and I’ll end up being sad about it all. Any advice?

Hi @Alannah0412,

Feeling nervous about Freshers Week is understandable, and many people will be feeling the same way!

I think that once you get there and find out that everyone is nervous but eager to make friends and enjoy themselves, it'll take a lot of the pressure off. I felt the same going into my first year, but I found that loads of people didn't want to go out to clubs or bars, and that really helped me to feel comfortable and able to find friends. I also wouldn't worry about finding 'your people' straight away, as you'll meet loads of people that you might not end up being friends with. I found it was a good experience and it really built my confidence!

I'd say that you should do as much as you're comfortable with. There will be plenty of events throughout the year, and lots of opportunities to meet others, so don't put too much pressure on the first week! Moving in and starting university is stressful enough, so make sure to take some time for yourself and do something that you enjoy.

Best of luck, and I hope this helps,
Isabella

University freshers week

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