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What to do if you miss Freshers’ week
You might be wondering, is fresher’s week compulsory? While most new students can’t wait to get stuck into freshers’ week, we know there are some who might want to avoid it altogether. And there are others who miss freshers’ for reasons beyond their control.
You’ll get a taste of uni life no matter which path you choose. But to help you along, we’ll give you the lowdown on what to do if you miss freshers’ week.
Do you have to go to Freshers’ week?
Freshers’ week might seem like a rite of passage for uni students, but it certainly isn’t for everyone. Maybe the endless nights out don’t appeal to you. Or maybe you need more time to adjust. Either way – you’re not alone.
However, there are a few enrolments and inductions that are compulsory during freshers’ week, including:
Library induction
Getting your student pass photo taken
Student accommodation induction
Welcome talks with your department
Students’ union introduction
Careers office induction
Outside of the inductions, you’ll also need to complete registration by a certain date. Your university website will have more information on this.
Should I go to Freshers’ week?
Freshers’ week can feel like a bit of a dilemma. You want to socialise and meet new people. But the thought of settling in quietly and starting courses without a week’s worth of hangovers sounds way more appealing. The beauty is you can do both. Uni is what you make it, so you can spend freshers’ week however you want. There’s no right or wrong answer.
If you’re still on the fence about whether to show up for freshers’ week, these pros and cons might help you make up your mind.
Reasons to go to Freshers’ week
Here’s why freshers’ week lives up to the hype:
Meeting your housemates: You meet lots of people in freshers’ week – your housemates included. Taking part in group outings to freshers’ events can help you to break the ice and get to know each other before lecturers and seminars start.
Everyone’s in the same boat: Feeling anxious about uni? Almost every new student feels the same way. Attending freshers’ week allows you to connect with fellow students while you’re all still, well, fresh.
Activities and workshops: Freshers’ week is loads of fun, but it’s not just about clubs! Most freshers’ weeks will have sport events, film nights, food crawls, workshops, society socials and much more.
Enjoying the nightlife: Freshers’ week isn’t just about the nightlife, but it’s a huge part of it! Hitting the bars and clubs is a great way to celebrate the start of a new chapter in your life and make friends. Just remember to stay safe and stick with a group.
Freebies and discounts: Freshers’ week equals freebies! You’re guaranteed to leave pretty much every freshers’ event with free gifts like mugs, accessories, stationery and much more. You’ll also get discounts for things like takeaways, restaurants and shops to make the most of.
Why avoid Freshers’ week
There are plenty of reasons why you might want to avoid freshers’ week:
You’re shy or introverted: We know some people just don’t like mingling in big groups, and freshers’ might sound like your idea of a nightmare. But before you skip it altogether, remember you can always choose to avoid the crowds and take it at your own pace.
You’re not into the drinking culture: Not everyone is a Hawaiian-shirt wearing party animal – and it’s totally fine to skip the boozy club nights if you don’t drink, or prefer a quieter evening in. Plus this way, you can feel fresh as a daisy to attend inductions and get to grips with your new campus.
You want to save money: Times are tough right now and even with freebies, drinks deals and restaurant discounts, freshers’ nights out can take their toll on your purse strings. If you’re concerned about money, skipping some of the social events can help you save.
You’re a mature student: For many people, freshers’ week is one of the first chances to have a night (or week) on the tiles without enduring your parents’ raised eyebrows the next day. But if you’re a mature student, freshers’ week is probably not your first rodeo. If you don’t fancy five nights out on the bounce, it’s fine to make some polite excuses.
You already had a freshers’ week: Lots of people switch unis or drop out of their first year. If this is you, freshers’ week is probably old news. And that’s totally fine.
What if I’m late for Freshers’ week?
If you’re an international student who wants to attend freshers’ week but won’t arrive in time – don’t worry! There will always be plenty of activities to do once the term has begun. Even better, you’ll have a range of clubs and societies to choose from. And if you ever change your mind, you’re not obligated to stay in them.
Whether you’re an undergrad, postgrad, mature or international student, you can forge your own uni path. Everyone’s experience is different. One of the joys of being an adult? Nobody can force you to do anything you don’t want to.
Top tips for students who missed Freshers’ week
If you miss freshers’ week entirely, don’t worry. There are plenty of other ways to get established in uni life. Here are a few things to remember.
Your freshers’ friends are rarely your lifelong friends
You might expect to meet your new bestie during your first week, but the reality is generally pretty different. Once freshers’ week is over, you’ll probably go on to meet plenty more students, some who you’ll really click with beyond the whirlwind of freshers’ fairs.
You can still join clubs and societies
Clubs and societies don’t normally close their doors for new applicants after the first week. If you miss the Freshers’ Fair sign-up session, the society will still welcome you with open arms if you drop them an email or go and see them in person. And even if the society is full after the sign-up session, a lot of people will probably drop out later anyway.
Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to your course mates and flatmates
If you arrive late to university, it might feel as though everyone had made lifelong friends and formed cliques already. Remember, everyone only met a week or so ago. They’re not Bert and Ernie.
There’s still plenty of time to bite the bullet, make conversation and get to know people in your flat or on your course. Plus, it’s a good opportunity to impress people with your non-hungover A-game. Why not cook a group meal for your flatmates and get an early reputation as the generous new face who arrived fashionably late? Sounds like a pretty good look to us.
Take time to explore campus
It’s easy to get lost around campus at the best of times – so it pays to do a bit of a recce before your course starts. It’s also a good time to get to grips with your halls and campus without people forcing flyers into your hands or trying to make you do shots.
If you’re looking for a full campus tour, you may not be too late. You should speak to your uni to find the next one.
Reach out to your lecturers
If you missed induction sessions and intros, don’t forget to catch up on these later. You’ll probably find that intro slides and lectures are available online, but it always pays to reach out in person to your lecturers to say hello.
Register with a GP
Most freshers’ weeks include doctor registration. If you missed this, it’s important to get signed up before the dreaded freshers’ flu arrives in your flat. Speak to a uni or halls administrator to find out the best way forward. You may be able to register through your uni, or you may need to contact your GP separately.
Enjoy yourself
Freshers’ week might be over, but uni life is just getting started. There’ll be plenty of events happening every week to make up for lost time. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join in on movie nights, hit the club or generally be involved in student life. Three years feels like a long time now – but it’ll fly by. Don’t forget to make the most of it.
