Freshers' week: settle in, make friends and have fun
By Dan Poole
Published: 16 August 2007
Clubs & societies: try something new!
While you shouldn't go mad and join every club under the sun (is there really much to be gained from membership of the Oddly Shaped Crisps Society?), freshers' week is a great time to get signed up and make new friends. Obviously if you're already a hockey player or chess enthusiast you'll have an idea what you're after, but it's also a good opportunity to try something you haven't considered before. And, of course, the international society might be a good place to start...
Halls: a new home full of new friends
Assuming you're starting your university life living in halls, most will lay on evenings and events so you can get to know your fellow students. Moving away from home, especially for those of you who are in the UK for the first time, can be strange to get used to, and feelings of homesickness and missing your friends and family are normal. However, the best way to start feeling better is to get out there and make some new friends, so get involved and put a smile on your face!
Know your campus
If you get time in between meeting lots of new people and unpacking, freshers' week is the week to make a concerted effort to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings. Take a walk around your campus to see where the laundry is, where you can buy a loaf of bread and where the halls liaison officer lives. Find out what bus routes there are to take you into university or the city centre, and perhaps even just hop on one and see where it takes you! Make sure you can find your way back mind you...
Registration: easy when you know how
Registration may seem like a daunting prospect, but as long as you turn up at the right time and fill in the various forms correctly it's not as bad as it seems. Make sure you know exactly where and when you are expected, and if need be head out early to your required location in case you get a bit lost! Registration is required for your accommodation, your entry to the course and university, your course fees and student loan and, where relevant, the specific modules you want to take as part of your course.
