Freshers’ week – the reality

This is the first of a series of posts designed to help you as you go to university for the first time.

Freshers’ or Induction Week is most students’ introduction to University. Most people anticipate a fun-filled week of partying, getting to know what clubs are available and generally celebrating new-found freedom.

There is an element of this but after the adrenalin-filled anticipation of getting a place and the tough decisions about which university to go to, the actual planning of the journey and packing all your stuff up (often leaving your room at home looking a bit lonely), there can be a sense of anti-climax as you survey your student room.

The reality of the first week is usually a mixture of fun, confusion and frankly boredom as you queue to register for modules, panic as you read the documentation and repeatedly get lost as you first try to negotiate your way around campus.

Use this time to get used to the campus, work out how to use the library, get hold of your timetable and learn how to read it – they can be confusing at first. Try to get some sleep, eat some decent food and be kind to yourself: starting university is a big leap for most people.

Make the most of this week but if it doesn’t live up to your expectations please remember that it will get better 🙂