Freshers’ Week is probably one of the scariest and most exciting weeks you will ever experience. You get dropped off in basically the middle of nowhere, in a place you have only been to a handful of times. You know literally no one – not one single person in at least a 100 mile radius. But in that week, you will hopefully meet some of your best friends, have some of the most fun filled nights of your life, and form a bond with Lancaster University that will last the rest of your life.
But, because that first week can be rather overwhelming, we friendly people at SCAN have decided to give you lucky readers the ultimate do’s and don’ts of Freshers’ Week to help you along the way.
Do talk to everyone
In Freshers’ Week, one of the best things to do is talk to anyone and everyone. It will feel weird, unnatural and most likely a bit creepy at first, but you never know, you could be saying hello to your new best friend.
Do join as many societies as possible
Even if you only go to the first welcoming meeting, decide that no, you would rather not spend your Wednesdays running around a sports pitch in the inevitable rain, and end up back at your flat, pre-drinking for the Carleton.
Do be prepared to repeat yourself
Over, and over and over again. You will be asked which A-levels you did, what college you’re in, where you’re from and what you’re studying at least a million times per day. Yes it’s boring, but it’s a conversation starter, so at least sound interested.
Don’t judge
At university, you will meet people that you would never have met before. People from different backgrounds, countries, and all walks of life all become a part of your new life, so make the most of it. Don’t let stereotypes or preconceived ideas get the better of you, you’ll only end up ruining your time at uni.
Don’t get Fresher’s Flu
It is horrible. Although not as yet a medical term, symptoms include a permanent hangover, the worse cold you’ve ever had, pain in places you didn’t realise could be painful, and an overwhelming desire to stay in bed. Avoid at all costs.
Don’t do anything embarrassing
That you’ll end up regretting for the next three years. Remember the people that in front of whom you do the embarrassing deed (confessing your undying love for someone you met an hour ago, setting yourself on fire… you get the picture) will most likely be either your flat mates or people from your college i.e. people that you cannot hide from.
Don’t worry
I know, easier said than done, but it is so easy to become so concerned about whether you’ve met the right people, whether you’ve joined enough societies, or whether you’ve gone on enough nights out, that you can end up becoming miserable. The best thing to do is just go with the flow, don’t get too anxious about having a good time, just have fun!
Don’t go home
This is probably the best piece of advice I can give you. Even if you’re home sick and desperately craving your Mum’s homemade shepherd’s pie, going home is just not worth it. You need to stick the week out, and really give uni a chance before you decide that you’d rather not be there. At the very least, you’ll be missing out on all the freshers shenanigans that will be going on if you’re not there.
