Surviving Freshers

 

 

 

Remember my panicky fresher's week post? Well I've managed to survive it ! There were quite a few events run by the student union and clubs around my university. I went to a total of 3 events, which I know doesn't seem like a lot, but I am so tired I really couldn't go to anymore! In the day we did still have to go to university as we had a week of induction and enrolment, so there's been a lot to take in this week. I've made some lovely friends where I live and now I feel a bit more confident about making friends on my actual course. My university doesn't have many clubs to sign up to so I am currently considering taking a short course as well which is once a week. Let me know if any of you do one? I will be able to meet more people who do different things this way.

 

 

 

 

All pictures from Google (they just made me smile)

 

 

 

So here's how to survive Fresher's -

 

 

 

 

Rebrand yourself -

 

Now I am not saying to go in completely fake and then as you get more and more tired the real you pops out. But think of it this way, no one knows you. They don't need to know that you're the one who always got in to trouble at school, or the one who didn't have many friends. They don't know your background and they don't know what you're like. So think hard about what type of person you are and how you want to come across. You'll never get an opportunity like this again, so don't waste it. Be yourself, but the best version of yourself.

 

 

 

 

 

Meeting people -

 

So that first conversation is going to be the most awkward one. But remember it's awkward for everyone, I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've been asked what I did before I got here and what course I will be on. But that really is the easiest way to start chatting to someone. Remember that people love talking about themselves, so if you're like me and stumble over your words when your nervous just ask them a lot of questions. And always drop some compliments in, not too many mind. Then of course you need to work out whether it's a hand shaking/hugging or just a nodding situation. Something I am yet to master, which has caused a few bumps and awkward giggles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be a great mate-

 

Fresher's week is known for parties, and a lot of people will go to them all. This is the time to really be a good friend. Make sure you never leave your friends alone whilst out and always leave together. If you're going to the bar for a drink and the rest of your friends are dancing then let them know so they stay in the same place for when you're back. If you will be drinking then make sure you've eaten before you go and that you drink water when you get back/whilst there. And if you think your friend's drinking too much tell them, they'll thank you for it later. I personally don't drink so I haven't had to worry about getting drunk but I still make sure to stick together.

 

 

 

 

 

Join in but know when to stop-

 

So basically go to everything you want to go to but also go to what your friends what to go to. This way you'll meet more people and you may even end up enjoying yourself. Although if you're feeling extremely tired/ill have a break ! There's no shame in having a nap or a night in and it will be obvious to everyone else if you don't want to be there.

 

 

 

 

Keep in Touch -

 

Although you're moving on education wise, leaving your friends and family behind. You don't want to lose touch. So make sure to email/text/Skype/factime. You don't want to lose any friends whilst making your new ones. Make sure to remember that you'll be back in the holidays and at the end of your course and you will need your friends still! Also having friends from only one places will become annoying. I've been talking to my mummy almost everyday via text and that's made it easier for me to settle in.

 

 

 

 

So there are my tips for fresher's week, I am sure you all have a lot more so feel free to comment them below. I think at the moment I feel like I am on a school trip but soon it will sink in that I am living here for a long time!