Freshers week
Does every student have to start on freshers week? What if alcohol and nightclubs isn't your thing and you prefer a more anti social existence?
Reply 1
Original post by Anonymous
Does every student have to start on freshers week? What if alcohol and nightclubs isn't your thing and you prefer a more anti social existence?
I feel like going for Freshers week would be good anyway, it's not just about the drinking and clubbing. I'll be underage for Freshers week so none of that for me, but I'll still be excited to explore a new city and get to know people in my flat etc. there'll be loads of stuff to do solo and it gives you a chance to learn where all of your classes will be, or maybe study ahead if you wanted to.
Original post by Anonymous
Does every student have to start on freshers week? What if alcohol and nightclubs isn't your thing and you prefer a more anti social existence?
Hi,
No, starting on Fresher's week is not compulsory - but it is something that everyone recommends, as it allows you to get familiar and comfortable with the university before the academic term begins.
Just like for you, alcohol and nightclubs are not my thing. In fact, I am in my 3rd year now and still haven't been to any of the nightclubs in Lancaster. Did I still have fun in my fresher's week despite not going on any nights out? Oh, yes, I definitely did.
Firstly, I was able to explore and learn about the campus. Secondly, I discovered a lot of different resources available, both academic and non-academic, through various workshops and information sessions, ran online and in-person during fresher's week. I also got very comfortable with using the library, booking rooms, using computers and borrowing university laptops.
I got to try a lot of societies. I went to a bunch of taster sessions and tested things like underwater hockey, kayaking, muay thai, karate, living history society, crafting, dancing, lego, dominoes, anime, computer science, and so many more other societies. Some were too far outside my comfort zone, while some I ended up carrying on with for the rest of the term or year.
I got a lot of free stuff. I enjoyed the many free food events organised throughout the week by the Colleges, the Students' Union, and different departments. For example, I got to try some traditional Chinese snacks and delicious mooncakes while partaking in some calligraphy activities or had a great relaxing time at a free traditional Cream tea event. There were other non-food events too: free film screenings, live music, and so much more. I also discovered Mario Kart.
I met new people. It was good to be able to build up a good relationship with my flatmates (even though I have never ended up going on a night out with them) before everyone got busy. I also made new friends outside of my course, and also got to know some of my coursemates and academics during that period.
When my social battery got slightly drained and I got tired from running around different taster sessions and events, I took a couple of walks to explore the town and the nearby woods. It was absolutely beautiful.
Not something I would necessarily recommend, and it isn't something I am particularly proud of, but I also learned about the services offered by the careers services, signed up for some CV workshops and applied to a few internships/ part-time work positions available on campus and managed by the Lancaster ERS (employment and recruitment service). This ended up benefitting me later on in the year...
So, even if you are not a social and outgoing person, there are still plenty of sober and more solitary activities to be involved in. The more time I spend at university the more I become convinced that there is something for everyone. Furthermore, it is a good opportunity to comfortably settle in and prepare for the start of the term.
I would suggest giving it a chance, but if the idea really doesn't appeal to you - you are not forced to take part in it 😊
(unless there is a compulsory sign-in or document check that you have to attend - please do go to that.)
Best wishes,
Polina,
Lancaster Univeristy Computing Student Ambassador.
Reply 3
Hi there!
There is no expectation for you to attending Freshers events. Everyone is different and most universities/ Student Unions promote multiple events throughout that week for everyone.
I was really anxious that I hadn't bought any Freshers Wristbands for external events within Liverpool city but there were still plenty of events on campus that were for freshers.
For those who do get anxious etc, the Freshers Fair is probably the best activity for you to attend, you can speak to all the different societies and get to know others who may feel similar to you. For example you may find a society with like minded people who instead of going out clubbing and drinking, like to do other activities of a week that you may feel more comfortable attending.
Admittedly, my Freshers was in 2020 so there wasn't allowed we were allowed to do however there was still plenty and even the freshers events throughout my time at uni always had events for those who aren't party people.
Please try not to worry!
I hope this helps.
Daisy- Graduate Advocate
There is no expectation for you to attending Freshers events. Everyone is different and most universities/ Student Unions promote multiple events throughout that week for everyone.
I was really anxious that I hadn't bought any Freshers Wristbands for external events within Liverpool city but there were still plenty of events on campus that were for freshers.
For those who do get anxious etc, the Freshers Fair is probably the best activity for you to attend, you can speak to all the different societies and get to know others who may feel similar to you. For example you may find a society with like minded people who instead of going out clubbing and drinking, like to do other activities of a week that you may feel more comfortable attending.
Admittedly, my Freshers was in 2020 so there wasn't allowed we were allowed to do however there was still plenty and even the freshers events throughout my time at uni always had events for those who aren't party people.
Please try not to worry!
I hope this helps.
Daisy- Graduate Advocate
Reply 4
Original post by Anonymous
Does every student have to start on freshers week? What if alcohol and nightclubs isn't your thing and you prefer a more anti social existence?
Hi,
As everyone has mentioned, no, every student does not have to start on freshers week, however there are so many different things going on that don't involve alcohol and night clubs that would benefit you greatly.
Freshers week is a great time to get to know flatmates and sometimes courses have induction sessions going on that week where you can get to know people on your course and the lecturers. Also as mentioned, the freshers fair is the best activity for those that do not like to go out drinking. It provides lots of different fun activities and opportunities and is also a great way to meet people.
Societies are also a great way to become involved in activities that do not always involve drinking. It will allow you to meet up with a group of people that you share similar interests with and do things that you all enjoy.
Do not worry about not being very sociable all the time and not enjoying the alcohol and nightclub side of things because I can assure you that there are endless opportunities available that don't involve these things.
I hope this has helped, please feel free to ask anything else that you might want to know.
Thanks, Matt ☺️
Official LJMU Student Rep
Original post by Anonymous
Does every student have to start on freshers week? What if alcohol and nightclubs isn't your thing and you prefer a more anti social existence?
Dont worry. Thousands of other students are not into endless drinking and party-time either and also Unis themselves are keen that this isnt the impact that students should have on their new city - its not a great look for the Uni. Lots and lots of activities are laid on for those that dont drink or who are not into clubbing. Guided walks of your new city, coffee-crawls, cinema and theatre nights, museum visits, arts-and-crafts stuff, sports stuff, a whole heap of other 'non-drink' stuff. Here's an example of the sort of events to expect - Guide to Welcome Week 2024 @ Bristol SU
Original post by Anonymous
Does every student have to start on freshers week? What if alcohol and nightclubs isn't your thing and you prefer a more anti social existence?
You need to bear in mind that there are typically academic-related and administrative activities during freshers week -- it's not just social activities.
Academic-related activities will be things like introductions to your course, a chance to meet other students on your course and the lecturers, perhaps library tours/inductions. Some of these will be one-off events that won't be repeated.
Administrative activities are things like in-person registration (the university won't notify the student finance people that you're in attendance until you've done this, and your maintenance loan won't get released) , and collecting your ID card (which will probably double as your library card and also give you building access). You'll still be able to do in-person registration and get an ID card after freshers week, but you'll need to make the appropriate arrangements.
No one is going to force you to go to nightclubs, and no one is going to force you to drink alcohol if you don't want to.
Reply 7
You need to understand the difference between freshers week (social activities run by student union and some clubs/events companies) and induction/welcome week at your university.
Induction and welcome sessions are not optional and are vital to attend to get settled in at university and your course. At different universities it will include different things but it can include collecting your ID card, registration/enrolment, meeting your course staff and fellow students, orientation around campus and teaching spaces and in some cases health and safety inductions, trips and the start of teaching.
If you’re being pressured to buy freshers tickets at the moment then that’s almost certainly scam reps trying to make commission. They’re not new students and in many cases they aren’t even students at all.
Official freshers event tickets from your SU will normally only go on sale in August. Anything before then is unofficial, unlikely to sell out and generally a rip off playing on insecurities of new students.
Induction and welcome sessions are not optional and are vital to attend to get settled in at university and your course. At different universities it will include different things but it can include collecting your ID card, registration/enrolment, meeting your course staff and fellow students, orientation around campus and teaching spaces and in some cases health and safety inductions, trips and the start of teaching.
If you’re being pressured to buy freshers tickets at the moment then that’s almost certainly scam reps trying to make commission. They’re not new students and in many cases they aren’t even students at all.
Official freshers event tickets from your SU will normally only go on sale in August. Anything before then is unofficial, unlikely to sell out and generally a rip off playing on insecurities of new students.
Original post by Anonymous
Does every student have to start on freshers week? What if alcohol and nightclubs isn't your thing and you prefer a more anti social existence?
Hi there,
You are not obliged in any way to attend freshers week's activities. Those are just some options for you to meet your cohort and make some friends. So feel free to not attend some events if you don't feel like it. That's absolutely alright.
Take care,
Ilya,
Cyber Security student at DMU
Reply 9
Original post by De Montfort University
Hi there,
You are not obliged in any way to attend freshers week's activities. Those are just some options for you to meet your cohort and make some friends. So feel free to not attend some events if you don't feel like it. That's absolutely alright.
Take care,
Ilya,
Cyber Security student at DMU
You are not obliged in any way to attend freshers week's activities. Those are just some options for you to meet your cohort and make some friends. So feel free to not attend some events if you don't feel like it. That's absolutely alright.
Take care,
Ilya,
Cyber Security student at DMU
This may be true for DMU but at other universities induction/welcome week attendance is compulsory.
Reply 10
Original post by Anonymous
Does every student have to start on freshers week? What if alcohol and nightclubs isn't your thing and you prefer a more anti social existence?
Hi there,
As others have said, freshers week is usually not compulsory. However, depending on your course, you may have some induction sessions or other things that you may need to attend so it's worth finding out about this before you decide not to come for freshers week.
I would say that even if you don't like going out, it is still worth coming for freshers week as there will be lots of other events on which are worth going to. There will be freshers fairs and other events like this where you can find out about things that are going on at the university which is always good to go to.
There will also probably be other events on where you can meet other people such as movie nights or games nights. See if you can have a look nearer the time at any events that your university is putting on or the Student Union is hosting as this might change your mind on coming for freshers week!
I would also say if you are planning on living in halls, it's a good idea to come for freshers week as this is when everyone will be moving in and getting to know each other! Even if you don't want to go out on nights out, you can still join in on the things that they will be doing and make friends with them!
I hope some of this helps,
Lucy -SHU student ambassador.
Reply 11
Original post by Anonymous
Does every student have to start on freshers week? What if alcohol and nightclubs isn't your thing and you prefer a more anti social existence?
No, you don’t have to take part in Welcome Week if you don’t want to. It might vary university to university but a lot of universities use it as a settling in week and a chance to get to know your course mates and lecturers !
During welcome week, our university also offers alternative activities such as:
Taster sessions for societies (and there is a society for everyone!)
Movie nights, board games nights and SU quizzes
Well-being sessions!
It is definitely worth joining online groups for your university to try and meet some like minded people!
I hope this helps!
-Rebecca, University of Central Lancashire ambassador
Original post by Lancaster Student Ambassador
Hi,
No, starting on Fresher's week is not compulsory - but it is something that everyone recommends, as it allows you to get familiar and comfortable with the university before the academic term begins.
Just like for you, alcohol and nightclubs are not my thing. In fact, I am in my 3rd year now and still haven't been to any of the nightclubs in Lancaster. Did I still have fun in my fresher's week despite not going on any nights out? Oh, yes, I definitely did.
Firstly, I was able to explore and learn about the campus. Secondly, I discovered a lot of different resources available, both academic and non-academic, through various workshops and information sessions, ran online and in-person during fresher's week. I also got very comfortable with using the library, booking rooms, using computers and borrowing university laptops.
I got to try a lot of societies. I went to a bunch of taster sessions and tested things like underwater hockey, kayaking, muay thai, karate, living history society, crafting, dancing, lego, dominoes, anime, computer science, and so many more other societies. Some were too far outside my comfort zone, while some I ended up carrying on with for the rest of the term or year.
I got a lot of free stuff. I enjoyed the many free food events organised throughout the week by the Colleges, the Students' Union, and different departments. For example, I got to try some traditional Chinese snacks and delicious mooncakes while partaking in some calligraphy activities or had a great relaxing time at a free traditional Cream tea event. There were other non-food events too: free film screenings, live music, and so much more. I also discovered Mario Kart.
I met new people. It was good to be able to build up a good relationship with my flatmates (even though I have never ended up going on a night out with them) before everyone got busy. I also made new friends outside of my course, and also got to know some of my coursemates and academics during that period.
When my social battery got slightly drained and I got tired from running around different taster sessions and events, I took a couple of walks to explore the town and the nearby woods. It was absolutely beautiful.
Not something I would necessarily recommend, and it isn't something I am particularly proud of, but I also learned about the services offered by the careers services, signed up for some CV workshops and applied to a few internships/ part-time work positions available on campus and managed by the Lancaster ERS (employment and recruitment service). This ended up benefitting me later on in the year...
So, even if you are not a social and outgoing person, there are still plenty of sober and more solitary activities to be involved in. The more time I spend at university the more I become convinced that there is something for everyone. Furthermore, it is a good opportunity to comfortably settle in and prepare for the start of the term.
I would suggest giving it a chance, but if the idea really doesn't appeal to you - you are not forced to take part in it 😊
(unless there is a compulsory sign-in or document check that you have to attend - please do go to that.)
Best wishes,
Polina,
Lancaster Univeristy Computing Student Ambassador.
No, starting on Fresher's week is not compulsory - but it is something that everyone recommends, as it allows you to get familiar and comfortable with the university before the academic term begins.
Just like for you, alcohol and nightclubs are not my thing. In fact, I am in my 3rd year now and still haven't been to any of the nightclubs in Lancaster. Did I still have fun in my fresher's week despite not going on any nights out? Oh, yes, I definitely did.
Firstly, I was able to explore and learn about the campus. Secondly, I discovered a lot of different resources available, both academic and non-academic, through various workshops and information sessions, ran online and in-person during fresher's week. I also got very comfortable with using the library, booking rooms, using computers and borrowing university laptops.
I got to try a lot of societies. I went to a bunch of taster sessions and tested things like underwater hockey, kayaking, muay thai, karate, living history society, crafting, dancing, lego, dominoes, anime, computer science, and so many more other societies. Some were too far outside my comfort zone, while some I ended up carrying on with for the rest of the term or year.
I got a lot of free stuff. I enjoyed the many free food events organised throughout the week by the Colleges, the Students' Union, and different departments. For example, I got to try some traditional Chinese snacks and delicious mooncakes while partaking in some calligraphy activities or had a great relaxing time at a free traditional Cream tea event. There were other non-food events too: free film screenings, live music, and so much more. I also discovered Mario Kart.
I met new people. It was good to be able to build up a good relationship with my flatmates (even though I have never ended up going on a night out with them) before everyone got busy. I also made new friends outside of my course, and also got to know some of my coursemates and academics during that period.
When my social battery got slightly drained and I got tired from running around different taster sessions and events, I took a couple of walks to explore the town and the nearby woods. It was absolutely beautiful.
Not something I would necessarily recommend, and it isn't something I am particularly proud of, but I also learned about the services offered by the careers services, signed up for some CV workshops and applied to a few internships/ part-time work positions available on campus and managed by the Lancaster ERS (employment and recruitment service). This ended up benefitting me later on in the year...
So, even if you are not a social and outgoing person, there are still plenty of sober and more solitary activities to be involved in. The more time I spend at university the more I become convinced that there is something for everyone. Furthermore, it is a good opportunity to comfortably settle in and prepare for the start of the term.
I would suggest giving it a chance, but if the idea really doesn't appeal to you - you are not forced to take part in it 😊
(unless there is a compulsory sign-in or document check that you have to attend - please do go to that.)
Best wishes,
Polina,
Lancaster Univeristy Computing Student Ambassador.
Thank you.
Reply 13
Original post by Anonymous
Does every student have to start on freshers week? What if alcohol and nightclubs isn't your thing and you prefer a more anti social existence?
You definitely don’t have to have alcohol and clubbing in your Freshers Week if it’s not your vibe! Freshers Week is just one of many opportunities to get involved in university life, and it’s perfectly ok if you prefer a more low-key or independent start. There are plenty of alternative activities, clubs, and societies that focus on a range of interests beyond partying, like hiking, gaming, arts, or even study groups. You can ease into social life at your own pace, and the university will support whatever kind of experience you want to have. The important thing is to find what makes you feel comfortable and to enjoy your time in a way that suits you!
Reply 14
Original post by Anonymous
Does every student have to start on freshers week? What if alcohol and nightclubs isn't your thing and you prefer a more anti social existence?
Hi!
I felt very similar when I started university. However, freshers week ended up being a lot of fun! There were plenty of events and activities that didn't involve drinking or clubbing in any capacity.
This being said, freshers week is not compulsory (you may have welcome talks/sessions for your course but in terms of the social side it is not compulsory to be at university) so if you really feel you would rather miss these events, that is an option.
Hope this helps! Faye 🙂
Reply 15
Original post by Anonymous
Does every student have to start on freshers week? What if alcohol and nightclubs isn't your thing and you prefer a more anti social existence?
Hi,
I totally get where you’re coming from, and no, you definitely don’t have to get involved in all the typical Freshers' stuff if it’s not your vibe.
Not everyone’s into drinking or clubbing, and that’s completely fine. Unis usually have loads of other things going on during Freshers, like game nights, film screenings, chill socials, society tasters, that kind of thing. You can just pick and choose what suits you.
If you’re more into keeping to yourself or just not into the big social scene, you’re not alone. Loads of people feel the same, even if it doesn’t always seem like it at first. It’s 100% okay to ease into things at your own pace—you don’t need to make best friends on day one.
Freshers’ Week can feel a bit overwhelming, but you can still enjoy it in your own way. You’ll find your people with time, promise
Danish
BCU Student Rep
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