What to expect from Freshers’ Week 2023

When you're starting university for the first time, Freshers' Week can feel equally exciting and nerve-wracking. It's an intense period, packed with new faces and experiences. Jumping in without knowing what to expect can be a little intimidating. To help, we've broken down what happens in a Freshers' Week. 

Want to be prepared for Freshers' Week 2023? Just keep reading. 

What is Freshers' Week?

Freshers' Week is the first week of the university term, and it usually occurs in late September. Freshers' Week acts as a welcome period for new students, offering a chance to get to know your new university, town, and cohort before lectures properly begin. 

Freshers' Week has a reputation for being filled with parties and nights out, but you'll find that there are lots of daytime activities to get stuck into as well, which are an equally important part of your Freshers' experience. 

What happens in Freshers' Week?

The first day

When you arrive at your new university, you'll head over to your new halls or accommodation and collect your keys, before moving all your belongings in. The move-in process is your first chance to meet your flatmates and others staying in your accommodation. This will be a lot easier if you leave your door propped open while you're unpacking so people can pop their heads in. It might seem scary, but it'll be so worth it.

Once you've unpacked and said goodbye to your family, go and introduce yourself to some of your neighbours. You could go door to door or hang out in the communal spaces, like your flat kitchen. A great way to bond with your flatmates is to suggest that you all get dinner together that night. Then, if you want to have some drinks or go on a night out, you can easily transition into this. (Of course, there's no pressure to do anything you don't want to do). 

Registering in person

At some point in Freshers' Week, you'll need to register in person and collect your student ID. This will usually happen in the first few days. Sometimes you'll be able to register when you collect your accommodation keys, but usually you'll have to go to a separate university building to do it - it all depends on your specific university. Generally, you'll be required to present your passport or another form of ID at this point, as well as any other key documents your university has asked for. 

Freshers' Fair

Every university will host a Freshers' Fair in Freshers' Week. It will usually run for at least a few days in the week, if not all week, so don't worry if you don't make it there on your first day. 

Freshers' Fairs are packed with stalls advertising clubs and societies you can join and different student activities you can get involved in. You can sign up for societies right away, or take some information away and think about whether you want to join. Bear in mind that there is usually a joining fee for university societies. The cost of this will vary depending on what you decide to join. 

Attending the Freshers' Fair will be a great way to meet new people as it's always very buzzy and busy. You'll have the chance to get to know both other new students and older students in different years.

Intro lectures

While your course usually won't start properly in Freshers' Week, there will be some introductory lectures. These will provide key information about the structure of your course and what you can expect from the coming term. You definitely shouldn't miss these lectures, even if you are feeling a little worse for wear on the day. Not only will they be your first opportunity to meet your new coursemates, but they will also help you to familiarise yourself with the different university buildings, so you know where you're going when courses actually start.

Admin

Freshers' Week is the perfect opportunity to do any life admin that you didn't have a chance to complete before arriving. For instance, you can register for the local GP so you don't have to go home every time you need to visit the doctor. 

If you haven't already got yourself a student bank account, it's also a good idea to do this in Freshers' Week.

Nightlife

When most people think of Freshers' Week, they think of the nightlife. There will be at least one university-endorsed club night every night of the week, as well as a lot of other options. You'll be able to buy tickets to the events in advance and you can even buy a Freshers' wristband, which will grant you access to all the events. A lot of these events might be themed, so try and bring a few items of fancy dress with you. Or, you could suggest popping to the shops as a bonding activity with your flatmates. 

Don't feel pressured to go out every single night if you don't want to. Going out isn't the only way to make friends in Freshers' Week and no one is going to judge you if you have a night in. Even if you don't want to go out or drink alcohol, you can still get involved in the pres with a soft drink and get to know your flatmates better. 

Jump into Freshers' Week 2023

Now that you know what your Freshers' Week should look like, you're ready to jump in headfirst. If you need a little more advice on how to prepare for student life, check out our blog on getting ready for university.