University and Freshers' Week: Getting Started
Your exams are over, you're spending summer relaxing or anxiously anticipating the start of university. Do not worry, I've been there before and so has all your fellow uni pals that you will meet along your journey.
Once your parents drop you off and get all your belongings moved in, for the first time in your life you'll probably know what freedom feels like but this can also be quite daunting. It's a big step in growing up, perhaps you're all alone in a new big city or you might be in halls in the city you were born in. Whatever your situation may be, the taste of freedom remains the same.
Freshers’ Week, sometimes called Welcome Week depending on your university, is a bit of a rollercoaster. There’s excitement, awkward introductions, free pizza, too many leaflets, and the lingering pressure to instantly “find your people.”
I remember walking into my first Freshers’ Fair with wide eyes and a slight knot in my stomach. Everyone seemed to know where they were going, what societies they wanted to join, or who they were meeting. I didn’t. And that’s okay. Most of us start that way.
This first week is less about cementing lifelong friendships and more about dipping your toes into the new world you’ve entered. It’s hectic, chaotic even, and that’s part of the charm.
Getting Started
Prioritise Orientation, Not Just Club Stalls
Yes, the club night flyers and the free tote bags from the surf society are tempting, but don’t overlook the “boring” stuff. Library tours, IT support introductions, and departmental welcome talks might not sound thrilling, but they’ll save you a lot of hassle later. Knowing where the quiet study rooms are, how to reserve books online, or who to speak to about academic concerns makes the transition smoother.
Also, don’t worry if you don’t know what you want to join. You’re not committing your soul to a society just by attending their taster event.
Choose a Few Events and Pace Yourself
The temptation to attend every single event is real. I tried it. Five nights out in a row. By Thursday, I couldn’t hear out of one ear and lived on crackers because I was too tired to cook. Lesson learned.
Pick a range of events:
- One or two big social nights (like the Fresher's Ball or a bar crawl)
- A few society taster sessions
- A couple of chilled meet-ups like a board game night, coffee morning or quiz
You'll get a food feel for the vibe you want without burning yourself out.
Bond Over Shared Confusion
Honestly, one of the best ways to connect with someone is by admitting you don’t know what’s going on. That lost look on your face? Others have it too.
Freshers’ Week doesn’t have to be perfect. Don’t stress if you feel lonely one evening or skip an event because you’re exhausted. Just show up when you can, be open to new experiences, and don’t compare your week to anyone else’s Instagram story.
Budgeting Like a Champ
Managing money at university isn’t just about spreadsheets or apps (it can be if that's easier for you) it’s about habit and awareness. I learned this the hard way. Within two weeks, I had £18 left to last me until the next student loan drop because I’d treated myself to everything I wasn’t allowed at home. Nandos takeaway three times a week? Regret. That fourth unnecessary hoodie? Double regret.
Luckily for me, I worked for a local Sainsbury's and did promo for a nightclub through the night. Looking back now, it was exhausting and certainly something I couldn't do now on top of lectures, assignments and exam prep.
However, this helped me manage money better inbetween student loans.
I did know of a few people who went out the first week student loan dropped and lived lavishly, splunging money on VIP tables and ordering big bottles of Ciroc Vodka and Hennessy. While it may be a good night, they certainly regretted it in the morning.
Plan Before You Spend
Before the semester kicks off properly, work out your total monthly allowance. Include your rent, food, social budget, travel, and a small emergency buffer. Break it down weekly, smaller chunks are easier to manage.
If budgeting apps work for you, go for it (try Monzo or Emma). If not, a simple notebook or note on your phone works just fine. I used to write: “This week: £60. Already spent: £32.” It helped. A lot.
You don’t need to account for every penny, just enough to keep yourself out of accidental overdrafts.
Cook Smart, Not Fancy
Everyone loves a cheeky meal deal or greasy takeaway after a night out, but that adds up fast. Learning to cook 3–4 simple meals can make a huge difference. Think pasta, stir-fries, curries, baked potatoes.
- Buy frozen veggies, they last longer and reduce waste
- Get big bags of rice andpasta
- Tinned tomatoes, lentils and beans are versatile and cheap
Try batch cooking on Sunday evenings. It sounds dull, but your Thursday-night self will be grateful when there’s something ready to heat up.
Find Free Fun
Uni life is full of entertainment that doesn’t cost much. Look for:
- Society-led movie nights
- Campus karaoke or open-mic nights
- Free gym trials or sports taster sessions
- Walks, picnics, and board game clubs
Some of my favourite nights were spent with flatmates, a £5 bottle of wine or sharing a crate of beers, and YouTube playlists. Fun doesn’t have to be expensive.
Budgeting isn’t about depriving yourself. It’s about making sure you can afford rent and food while still having enough for fun. And if you overspend one week, don’t panic. Just adjust the next. It’s a learning process, not a one-time test.
Partying
Partying is often painted as the highlight of uni life, but it’s not always glitter and good vibes. Done right, it’s a great way to bond and blow off steam. Done carelessly, and you’re looking at regrets, hangovers, and possibly a lost debit card. Been there. It’s about knowing yourself and having a plan.
Know Your Limits and Respect Them
I learned this one the hard way during a ‘traffic light’ themed party. Without realising, I’d matched the drink count of someone twice my size. Not a good idea. Know your limits, and stick to them. That doesn’t make you boring; it makes you self-aware.
Eat a decent meal before drinking. Carbs are your friend. Alternate between alcoholic drinks and water, yes, people might tease you for it, but you’ll wake up clearer and spend less. Trust me.
If you find you’re always pushing past your comfort zone because of peer pressure, it’s worth stepping back to reassess your crowd. The right friends won’t care if you’re sipping Coke while they’re doing shots.
Have a Plan Before the Night Starts
Sounds boring, but it’s key. Know how you’re getting there and back. Make sure your phone’s charged and that someone else knows your whereabouts. Group chats are great for this.
Agree on a check-in time or a meeting point if anyone gets separated. Having a backup ride, cash for a taxi or Uber is smart, especially if public transport stops early where you live.
House Parties vs. Clubs
House parties tend to be more relaxed, cheaper, and you might know the host. But the downside is less structure, less security, and more unpredictability. Keep your drink in hand, and don’t accept anything you didn’t see poured.
Clubs have bouncers, first-aid staff, and rules but they also mean queues, pricey drinks, and less flexibility. Both can be fun, but they come with different risks. Mix it up. Some of my favourite nights were spontaneous kitchen discos with five friends and a speaker.
You don’t have to go out every weekend to enjoy uni life. Some of the most memorable moments come from quiet chats on staircases, cooking together, or watching a movie marathon until 3am.
Navigating Sex and Relationships
Let’s talk frankly, uni can be the first time you’re entirely in charge of your own love life. It can be exciting, messy, awkward, or just plain confusing. And that’s okay. Whether it’s a fling, a relationship, or just something that happens, it’s important to stay safe and be honest with yourself.
Consent Is Essential, Not Optional
Consent isn’t a one-time question or a checkbox, it’s a continuous conversation. That sounds serious, and it should be. If you’re unsure, stop. Ask. Respect boundaries. Don’t be afraid to say “no,” and never feel pressured to say “yes.”
And if someone isn’t enthusiastically into it? That’s your sign to pause. Simple as that.
Asking “is this okay?” or “are you comfortable?” doesn’t kill the mood, it shows maturity and care. It creates trust. Honestly, that’s more attractive than confidence built on assumption.
Always Use Protection
Condoms are essential. They’re not just about avoiding pregnancy, they’re your first line of defence against STIs.
Keep a small supply tucked somewhere private and easy to grab. It’s not presumptuous, it’s smart. And if something goes wrong? Don’t panic. Head to your uni’s health centre for advice, testing, or the morning-after pill if needed.
Don’t rely on assumptions. Ask if your partner has been tested recently. And get tested yourself, regularly. Most uni health centres run free STI clinics. Some offer postal testing kits too. It’s a smart, responsible move.
If you’re on hormonal contraception like the pill, remember it doesn’t protect against infections. Dual protection, using condoms as well is the safest route.
Check out our Guide to Condoms to learn more.
Stay Aware on Nights Out
Alcohol and attraction sometimes go hand-in-hand, but your safety always comes first. Watch your drink. Only take drinks you’ve seen poured or opened. Don’t accept mystery mixes or “just try this.”
If you feel strange, dizzy, or something feels off, tell a friend, alert staff, or get to a safe space. Never feel embarrassed about speaking up. Better cautious than sorry.
Have a buddy system. If you’re heading home with someone new, tell a flatmate. Share your location if possible. It might feel awkward at the time, but it’s smart.
Relationships and Emotions
University love stories range from one-night stands to three-year commitments and everything in between. The emotional side can be harder than the physical. It’s okay to catch feelings. It’s okay not to. But be clear with yourself and if possible, with the other person about what you want.
There’s also nothing wrong with changing your mind. Just be respectful and communicate. Mixed signals hurt less when you’re honest early.
When it goes well, great. When it doesn’t, speak to someone, mates, your tutor, or the counselling service. Uni can be a lonely place if you’re hurting and pretending you’re fine.
There’s no perfect way to do relationships, but staying safe, being kind, and communicating openly goes a long way.
Striking the Balance: Studying and Social Life
Balancing study and social life at uni is one of those things everyone says is important, but it’s easier said than done. The truth is, both matter. You’re there to earn a degree, but the memories often form outside the classroom.
Create a Flexible Schedule
Some people work best early in the morning, while others only come alive at 11pm. Figure out your natural rhythm and try to work around it. Don’t copy your flatmate’s study plan if it doesn’t suit you. Use online calendars or a simple paper diary to map out your week.
Include downtime as deliberately as lecture slots. Otherwise, social life gets squashed into guilt-ridden gaps between deadlines.
Make the Most of Study Gaps
Even a spare hour between classes can be useful. Grab a seat in the library or a quiet café. Do a bit of reading, revise your notes, or chip away at an essay. Little by little adds up.
Also, vary your study spots. Moving between the library, your room, a friend’s flat, or a coffee shop can refresh your brain. A change of scenery really does help with focus.
Avoid Perfection Paralysis
You won’t always get it right. Some weeks will be study-heavy. Others will lean toward social plans. That’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up.
If you miss a night out because of an essay, remind yourself you’re working toward a goal. If you spend the weekend relaxing with mates, don’t feel guilty—, t’s recharging time, not wasted time.
Ask for Help Early
If you’re struggling, tell someone. It doesn’t make you lazy or weak. Most universities offer study support, writing workshops, or drop-in maths help. Use them.
Talk to your tutor. They’re there for more than just academic results, they’re a point of contact for support and signposting too.
Balance takes time and trial and error. But once you find your flow, uni life becomes a lot less stressful and way more enjoyable. If you require a deadline extension to your assignmets, ask for one (just don't take the mick).
