FRESHERS WEEK - Unaaaaaay

So you’re thinking of going to University: What to Expect - Fresher’s week.

Bit of background information and disclaimers …

I am writing this as I have just finished my second year as a BA History Student at Cardiff University, these opinions are suggestions are based on my personal experience and everyone’s uni experience is unique. For example most Cardiff students will relate to the following, Varsity is a BIG deal, the Lash is what dreams are made of, Rev’s Tuesdays amiright?! All the TalybAnt*er, sorry Senghetto and Uni Halls. However some experiences are wonderfully universal i.e. silverfish and having to clean prior to the arrival of the cleaner else risking a snotty message and ridiculous fine, those pesky 9ams, first year 40% (enjoy it whilst it lasts). But also FRESHERS WEEK, the most wonderfully strange week of a first year, shout out to ‘Jack Walkabout’ *enter name of club used to identify random contact now in your phone who you will never remember/ speak to again*.

Fresher’s week: What to expect.

I’ve already kind of covered this one but as a uni student it is a right of passage.

However it is also quite difficult to know what to expect. First off I want to reiterate everyone’s experiences are different.

Cardiff has two main ways to celebrate freshers: the Student Union wristband and the ‘Town’ Wristband. Basically the two wristbands entitle you to entry to all the nights that are happening many of them themed, think ‘Back to School’ and ‘Where’s Wally?’ I bought both the wristbands which worked well for me as my flat tended to choose a mixture of events. This brings me onto my first point…

Find your flat on Facebook before you move in. This isn’t necessary but for me it helped me feel at ease, one of my now best friends was in my flat in first year and we chatted before moving in so the awkwardness was minimised. Also we chatted about what events we wanted to go to and which wristbands we had or were going to get, then I knew I wouldn’t be a loner. Many of my friends didn’t find their flat first and they still had a great time. But if you are a worrier like myself or just so ready to start the party that is freshers then I would recommend it.

Bring booze, saves you having to run out to Tesco whilst everyone else is in the kitchen getting on it, also gives you a way to seem chilled and fun when you offer round your beers, just make sure you have back up.

Fresher’s Friends. During Freshers you will make so many friends, some will be for life and some for the ten minutes you were chatting in the smoking area despite the connection you had and the summer plans you made - hey ‘Susie Pryzm’. My point get out make friends, if you’re shy drink the shyness away, but remember everyone’s in the same boat so just relax and have as much fun as possible. I look back on my freshers now with the fondest of memories and am so proud of my eight-night role without a break.

To be honest freshers week doesn’t really end, the whole point of first year is that you only have to get 40% so don’t waste time doing the extra reading. These are just a few tips based on my experience, so research your uni’s freshers week and see what the deal is there. Uni isn’t for everyone and you may realise that a few weeks in. This is completely fine and at least you gave it a go, but try and enjoy a week of completely guilt free boozing and partying away from the prying eyes and wild fire gossip of your home town.

#Uni #Opportunity #Freshers #Party #Booze #Drink #Fun #Friends