arriving at uni 2 weeks late

I will unfortunately be missing the first 2 weeks of uni, aka freshers. I can go to the first 3 days, but then have to leave until october for personal reasons out of my control. Im very, very worried that this will ruin my social opportunities. My classes don’t start til mid october so it’s fine academically, but will I struggle to make friends if I’m missing so much essential “meeting people time”? I’ll mingle as much as possible in the first few days, but I worry people will forget I exist.

My lectures aren’t in person so I don’t have the option to meet others on my course, only in societies, accom etc

Reply 1

Anonymous #2

Not at all, firstly uni isn't like school, so even if you were to attend the first two weeks, you won't have met everyone or made your most definitive friendships yet because everything will still be pretty new.

You can also get in contact with course mates if you can, and organise a study group or something - since your lectures aren't in person.

Reply 2

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

Have you advised your academic department about the absence?

Reply 3

Anonymous #1

Original post by Admit-One

Have you advised your academic department about the absence?

yes, of course :smile:

Reply 4

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Anonymous

yes, of course :smile:

You’d be frankly amazed how many students don’t bother :smile:

Follow all their advice for keeping on track, but otherwise keep engaged with any groupchats etc. You can also join societies when you get back. There’s no law that your buddies have to be on your course.

Reply 5

WrexhamUniReps

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I will unfortunately be missing the first 2 weeks of uni, aka freshers. I can go to the first 3 days, but then have to leave until october for personal reasons out of my control. Im very, very worried that this will ruin my social opportunities. My classes don’t start til mid october so it’s fine academically, but will I struggle to make friends if I’m missing so much essential “meeting people time”? I’ll mingle as much as possible in the first few days, but I worry people will forget I exist.
My lectures aren’t in person so I don’t have the option to meet others on my course, only in societies, accom etc

Hi

I agree with the other suggestions within this thread.

I think due to the number of people at university, you will be able to still keep meeting new people around campus and at societies and clubs.

It is never too late to join a club or society, they are always welcoming of new members.

I hope this helps,

Matt
Wrexham Uni Reps

Reply 6

University of Portsmouth Student Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I will unfortunately be missing the first 2 weeks of uni, aka freshers. I can go to the first 3 days, but then have to leave until october for personal reasons out of my control. Im very, very worried that this will ruin my social opportunities. My classes don’t start til mid october so it’s fine academically, but will I struggle to make friends if I’m missing so much essential “meeting people time”? I’ll mingle as much as possible in the first few days, but I worry people will forget I exist.
My lectures aren’t in person so I don’t have the option to meet others on my course, only in societies, accom etc

Hi I hope you are doing well,

That's a shame that you have to miss out on some of the freshers activities but do not worry about it ruining social opportunities. There is a lot of pressure of Freshers being the be all and end all of social interaction but in reality, as great as it is, it is by no means the only way to get to know people and I found that once I had met a few people, I mainly stuck to that group. I also didn't go to as many freshers events as I had initially planned to. Look out for other University organised activities, societies, and getting to know your course mates (Even if your course is online trying to connect with them) as methods of socialising as that will allow for you to make friends with people. Getting to know people in your accommodation is also a great way. Don't worry they won't forget about you!

Hope this helps,
All the best
Daniel
University of Portsmouth Student Rep

Reply 7

Uni of Southampton Students

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I will unfortunately be missing the first 2 weeks of uni, aka freshers. I can go to the first 3 days, but then have to leave until october for personal reasons out of my control. Im very, very worried that this will ruin my social opportunities. My classes don’t start til mid october so it’s fine academically, but will I struggle to make friends if I’m missing so much essential “meeting people time”? I’ll mingle as much as possible in the first few days, but I worry people will forget I exist.
My lectures aren’t in person so I don’t have the option to meet others on my course, only in societies, accom etc

Hey there,

It's absolutely understandable to feel worried about missing freshers week, but trust me, there will be plenty of other opportunities for you to make friends. Students are generally still very open to meet new people and form friendships after the freshers week.

I think it is a great idea to join a few student clubs and societies when you are back. It is an amazing way to make some amazing new friends and develop skills at the same time. These societies run events throughout the term, not just the freshers week. Also, don't hesitate to jump in the other on-campus events and social activities taking place at that time.

You can also consider introducing yourself to people in your lectures and in your accommodation. Personally, during the first few weeks of uni, I would make the effort to strike up conversations with people sitting next to me during lectures. I ended up making so many friends this way - some of whom are now close friends!

Please remember that the freshers week is just the beginning, you will still have many opportunities to get involved and make friends afterwards aswell.

I hope this helps!

All the best,
Akshita
(University of Southampton Student Rep)

(edited 3 months ago)

Reply 8

University of Kent

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I will unfortunately be missing the first 2 weeks of uni, aka freshers. I can go to the first 3 days, but then have to leave until october for personal reasons out of my control. Im very, very worried that this will ruin my social opportunities. My classes don’t start til mid october so it’s fine academically, but will I struggle to make friends if I’m missing so much essential “meeting people time”? I’ll mingle as much as possible in the first few days, but I worry people will forget I exist.
My lectures aren’t in person so I don’t have the option to meet others on my course, only in societies, accom etc

Hey there I hope you are well!

I would like to provide some personal insight and experience around this. I would not say I am the most social person, but I moreso met people through seminars and group tasks rather than just Fresher's events. There will always be opportunities to meet new people and build new relationships.

It is important I would say to not have a negative perspective around this because there will always be people who are interested to befriend you!

I hope this helps
Brandon - Student Rep