So, you’re heading off to university to start studying but what should you be doing during those first few weeks? Fresher weeks have become legendary but it’s more than just going out and partying you know! Whether your university holds a single week or a fortnight packed of fun before it’s time to settle down and hit the books, we’ve got the activities that should be on your radar.
Even if you’re nervous and want to hide away in your room, getting out and meeting like-minded people from the outset can really set you up for a great university experience. Here are 5 things you should be doing after you’ve arrived at halls.
1. Register
We know this one sounds boring but it’s a vital step. Make sure you attend your registration, you’ll be handed your student card too so you can start taking advantage of those student discounts straight away. You should also be given some extra details on your course and where you can head for more information, such as your timetable and module details. If you’re organised, you’ll get a head start.
2. Check out the clubs and societies
Freshers tend to make one of either two mistakes when it comes to clubs and societies. You’ll either completely forget to head to the fairs or you’ll sign up to a multitude. Universities are filled with sports clubs and societies covering everything from debating to Latin dancing. Most universities will put on an open fair so you can get to know current members and sign up. Whether you’re just joining a club or society fun or to enhance your CV, they’re the perfect way to meet new people that you know you have something in common with.
3. Organise an activity with your room mates
Even if you’re heading to uni with existing friends, make sure you make some time for your room mates. Over the next few months you’ll be spending a lot of time together and if you find some common ground to begin with you’ll be better set when it comes to tackling a cleaning rota and holding parties. You could head to one of the famous fresher week night events or if you prefer something low key, why not organise a meal that you all cook up.
4. Explore the local area
Get a grasp on your bearings outside the university campus and venture out. You home away from home will be filled with new things to explore and you’ll want to know where all the essentials, such as the nearest supermarket, are too. Whether you love shopping, getting active, or just discovering new things, it’s definitely something you should be doing during freshers week.
5. Remember to head to your tutorials
Freshers week should be all about fun and building new friendships. But that doesn’t mean that it’s all play, there will be some work involved. You might just get a few pieces to read through before you head to your first class or you might already have tutorials, lectures, and seminars scheduled in. Make sure you don’t skip out on these no matter how good your previous night out was, you’ll make a terrible first impression and have to scramble to catch up later.
