Guide to Freshers’ Week 2024

If you’re starting university for the first time this September, you might not know what to expect from Freshers’ Week. To help, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about this exciting time, from what to expect to how to make friends.

What is Freshers’ Week? 

Freshers' Week takes place in the first week of the term at university which is typically in late September. Freshers' Week is a chance for Freshers, or new students at university, to get to know your new university, get used to your new town and living situation, and meet lots of new people. In Freshers’ Week, there usually aren’t any formal lectures. It’s an opportunity to get settled in before your course properly starts. 

What to expect from Freshers’ Week 2024

Despite the reputation Freshers’ Week might have, there’s a lot more to it than nights out and drunken parties. Here’s a taste of what to expect in your first week at university.

First day

Your first day at university will be mainly occupied by unpacking and meeting new people. The first thing you’ll do is head to your new accommodation, get your keys, and start moving in. 

A great tip is to prop your door open when you’re unpacking so you can say hello to your new flatmates as they arrive. This might seem intimidating, but everyone is in the same boat and is looking to meet people and make new friends. So, make sure to remember a doorstop!

Once your family have left, you can get stuck into meeting new people. It’s a great idea to hang out in a communal space, like your flat kitchen or a common room, so you can meet as many people as possible. Don’t be afraid to knock on people’s doors too! 

You could suggest to have dinner with your flatmates on the first night and maybe even play some games to get to know each other (drinking games optional!). 

Rest of the week 

The next few days will fly by - there’s lots to do in Freshers’ Week. 

There’s definitely some admin to do when you first get to university. At some point in the first few days, you’ll probably need to register in person and collect your student ID. You’ll usually have to show ID for this, and sometimes your acceptance letter. Your university should email you with all the details about how to do this. It’s also a good idea to do practical things in Freshers’ Week like register for the local GP and get a student bank account, if you haven’t already. 

Although your course won’t have started properly, there will probably be a few intro lectures to attend. These will tell you about what you can expect from the upcoming term and the year as a whole. It’s a chance to meet some of your lecturers, hear about your modules, and better understand the structure of your course. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people and make some friends! 

And, of course, who could talk about what to expect in Freshers’ Week without talking about the nightlife. Your university will put on some events or endorse club nights on most nights. There will also be other independent options available in your city. You can buy tickets to the events in advance if you want, although lots of people wait until they get to university to see what other people want to go to. There will be Freshers' wristbands available too which get you into all the events, but think carefully about whether this is good value for you before you commit! 

Do I need to drink in Freshers’ Week?

You definitely don’t need to drink or go out in Freshers’ Week if you don’t want to. Despite what you might have heard, this isn’t the only way to make friends. No one will judge you for having a night in or opting for a soft drink. You should do whatever makes you feel most comfortable. 

Plus, if you’re not drinking, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out! You can still go on nights out and have an amazing time, all while alcohol-free. 

Freshers’ Fair 2024 

Love them or hate them, Freshers’ Fairs are an integral part of the Freshers’ experience. 

What is a Freshers’ Fair?

Freshers' Fairs are events put on by your university or Students' Union in Freshers’ Week. They are meant to highlight what life looks like at your university and showcase all the different socieites and events you can get involved in. Usually there will be lots of stands offering information about clubs, societies, volunteering opportunities, events, and local venues. 

Freshers' Fairs usually panic for a few days, so don’t panic if you can’t attend on the first day. Check your SU website for more information about your specific Freshers' Fair.

Why go to the Freshers’ Fair?

Freshers’ Fairs are the perfect way to find out about all the different societies your university has to offer. Joining societies is a great way to meet new people. You’ll immediately have something in common as you’re both at the same society, so it’s a great way to make new friends. You can sign up for new societies at the stand at your Freshers’ Fair or get their information and join at a later date. Bear in mind that most societies have a small entrance fee. 

You’ll also be able to find out about upcoming university events that might interest you at your Freshers’ Fair. From pizza nights to nights out, there’s something for everyone. 

And, more than likely, you’ll come away from your Freshers’ Fair with more than a few freebies. Snacks, tote bags, vouchers, T-shirts, pins, pens - you name it, they probably have it. 

How to make friends in Freshers’ Week 2024

If you’re worried about making friends in Freshers’ Week, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Although it can be anxiety-inducing, Freshers’ is the perfect time to meet new people. Everyone’s in the same situation and everyone is looking to find friendly faces and get to know each other.

Join group chats

You can now meet new people before you've even arrived at university by joining Facebook, Whatsapp or Instagram groups for your university, accommodation, or course. This allows you to introduce yourself (virtually, at least) before you arrive and get chatting. Then, when you arrive, you’ll recognise a few faces or names which makes it easier to get stuck in.

Talk to your flatmates 

Getting to know your flatmates is a great place to start when it comes to making friends. Start by introducing yourself when everyone is moving in, and then try and strike up some conversations when you’re cooking together or chilling in the communal space.

Of course, not everyone is going to have their best friends living right next door to them. You might find that you click better with people from other flats - and that’s completely OK. Once you’ve met your flatmates, you could suggest that you all go and introduce yourselves to the people in the flats around you. This lets you meet a bigger group of people. You could then all have dinner, pres or go out together if you want to.

Go to intro lectures

You might not want to bother going to your intro lectures in Freshers’ Week, particularly if you’ve had a bit of a heavy one the night before. But your intro lectures are definitely not ones to skip. If not for academic reasons then because they offer a great opportunity to meet your coursemates and make new friends. You can even plan to sit next to each other or walk to lectures together once your course starts properly. So, don’t be scared to ask to sit next to people or strike up conversations!

Join societies 

It might seem like an obvious one, but getting stuck into clubs and societies truly is a great way to get to know people at university. There truly is something for everyone when it comes to societies. Sports, drama, arts, student papers...you’ll be sure to find something to pique your interest. As well as their usual meetings, most societies hold regular get-togethers and socials too. They're a great way to get to know people.

5 top tips for Freshers Week 2024

1. Don’t overpack. University rooms don’t tend to be that big, so you don’t need to bring absolutely everything with you. Bring the essentials plus a few home comforts and you should be good to go. If you’re stuck for ideas, check out our packing list. 
2. Bring fancy dress. Lots of events in Freshers’ Week are themed, so it’s a good idea to bring a few fancy dress items with you so you can get involved in the fun!
3. Set a budget. Freshers’ Week can get expensive quickly. Remember, your maintenance loan needs to see you through the entire term, not just Freshers' Week! Try and draw up a budget for the week so you don’t overspend.
4. Don’t hide in your room. If you’re feeling shy, it can be tempting to hide away in your room and avoid people, but this isn’t the best idea. In Freshers’ Week, everyone wants to get to know each other, so try and put yourself out there and meet people. Prop your door open, talk to your flatmates, go to your Freshers’ Fair, sign up for new societies…there’s lots of ways to make friends. It’ll get easier the more you do it.
5. Don’t get too drunk. Freshers’ Week is made for you to enjoy yourself! But no one’s enjoying themselves if they’re ill or embarrassed from getting too drunk. Get stuck in, but try not to take it too far…at least, not yet.

You’re ready for Freshers’ Week 2024!

And with that, you’re ready to get stuck in! Need more Freshers’ advice? Check out our blog on the top 10 mistakes to avoid in Freshers’ Week.