How to survive the chaos of Freshers’ Week

So, you’ve been chucked into a flat with people you don’t know, in a city you don’t know and you don’t really know how you’re going to make it out the other side?

Freshers’ Week will be one of the most chaotic weeks in your uni life, so here is how to survive it. 

Don’t waste your money on wristbands

Whatever you do, do not fall for the Freshers’ Week wristband propaganda, especially the ones that will set you back £40 before you’ve even unpacked your bedding. You are going to meet so many new people, and the chances that you’ve all bought the same one? Very slim. Not to mention that at the drop of a hat all your plans could shift and then you’re having to buy another ticket.

Concert Square will be so busy throughout Freshers’ Week, there’s no need to tie yourself down to one specific thing. Wristbands are not your only chance; tickets will be available throughout the week, on the day and sometimes even on the door. 

Grab some easy meals

The organised meal prepping and expertly budgeted student meal ideas you were saving on TikTok can wait. Frozen pizzas, ready meals and pasta are going to be your best friends for the week. You’re going to need them pre-night out so that you can make it till 4am in Heebies, and the post-night-out kebabs are simply not sustainable enough.

Don’t really know how to cook? Now is not the time to experiment. Make sure that on your first food shop, you not only stock up on the essentials, but also some quick and easy meals that you can make when you’re feeling rough.

And don’t forget the paracetamol. Nobody said Freshers’ Week was glamorous. 

Don’t worry about finding your people immediately

Being in a new city where you don’t have your high school besties at your side is incredibly daunting. It is only worsened by looking on social media and seeing people already posting as if they’re having the best time of their lives with all their flatmates. 

Just remember you’re not seeing the part where everyone’s terrified to leave their room and has to psych themselves up for half an hour to knock on their flatmate’s door. Despite what Instagram will have you believe, nobody has freshers week 100 per cent figured out.

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The best thing to do is talk to everyone. Whether that be flatmates, neighbours, coursemates, people you bump into on a night out or people you randomly sat next to on the 699. You never know who could end up being one of your best friends. Even if you are usually more introverted, Freshers’ Week is a great opportunity to put yourself out there. 

Get to Freshers’ Fair EARLY

Freshers’ Fair is a great place to pick up some much-needed freebies. But be warned: that queue builds up quickly. So, try to get there early to avoid waiting for two hours in line.

It will give you something to do during the day that isn’t just wallow in your hungover state. Take your flatmates for company and explore campus whilst you’re at it to help get your bearings. Hopefully, you’ll be able to find your way around for your lectures the following week. 

And don’t miss the society fair! Half the societies there are unheard of – there truly is something for everyone.

Relax, you don’t have to say yes to everything

Sometimes, the chaos of Freshers’ Week can be a blessing. With so much going on, homesickness can easily slip your mind. As much as saying yes is important at the beginning of uni, you don’t have to say yes to absolutely everything. 

If you need a night off, take it. Freshers’ Week can be overwhelming, and you’ll need to recharge. Have a movie night with your flatmates, watch a film and order a takeaway. Everything will still be there waiting for you tomorrow. That night in could also end up being your saving grace from experiencing the dreaded Freshers’ Flu. 

Freshers’ Week chaos can never be fully avoided, so embrace it. Will it end up being the best week of your life? Probably not, but it will certainly be memorable.