Freshers Week is looming for many UK students, so I thought Iād write a quick post about FW and first year in general!
You donāt have to drink. Seriously, you do not have to drink a single drop of alcohol if you donāt want to. Most SUs will run non-alcoholic events - go to them! Pub quizzes, whilst people may be drinking, are also a great choice and a way to meet interesting new people.Ā
Make the most of first year. First year is the chance to explore different academic areas, to find out your best study methods for higher education, and to take part in fun societies. Take academic risks (in the sense of trying a different approach, not academic misconduct!) in the knowledge it wonāt hurt your overall degree classification, but remember that some internships and opportunities (such as Erasmus) are only open to those who have maintained a particular average.Ā
Join societies. Most people join a dozen-ish societies in first year and then find the one or two they actually stick with. Donāt buy a three-year membership unless youāre certain youāll be taking part for all three years! Pick all the ones that interest you, attend the first few events, and then decide which groups of people you want to hang out with. Itās never again so easy to make friends as it is in the first semester!
Learn to cook, clean, and manage your money.Ā Fundamental advice, really, but I still know many third-years who canāt clean to save their lives. Familiarise yourself with Unfuck Your HabitatĀ and find half a dozen quick and easy recipes you can live off for the year. Resist the urge to constantly get takeout! Budgeting is a very important lifeskill that many students neglect throughout their degrees. Money will be tight, but remember that you should not be living in your overdraft.Ā
Remember that it gets better. First year can be a shock to many people, and itās rough being away from home and your normal life. I struggled to stay on top of a joint honoursā workload, found myself perpetually sleep-deprived due to living in party-central student halls, and missed my home and family like crazy - to the point that I seriously considered dropping out because nothing was like I had hoped. Youāre not alone if you feel this way! Many students feel like this, even if they act like theyāre having a great time. Seek help and support if you need it and stick it out through first year.
If you have any questions or worries about student life, feel free to drop me a message and Iāll help out as best I can! I was part of my universityās SU officer team last year, so I know a fair bit about how it all usually works.Ā
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