Fresher’s Week Survival Guide

• 24 Sep, '15
• -

The day is here! After an antagonising wait, you’ve secured your place at university and no doubt the notorious Fresher’s Week is on your mind. Fresher’s has the potential to be, and for most is, the source of some hilarious memories and stories to tell your offspring (when they’re old enough). But it pays to play it safe, particularly in an unfamiliar place, so make sure you follow our Safety Survival Guide…

 

1. Get to know your surroundings by daylight. Take a walk with your house mates and take in familiar landmarks and safe walking routes to help you in finding your way home.

2. When you head out for your first night, write your address down and put it somewhere safe in your wallet/purse or saved in your phone to save yourself from being THAT kid saying “where do I live again?!”

3. We all want to fit in during Fresher’s Week which for some, might mean they end up doing something they’re not comfortable with. There is nothing wrong with saying no, and people will respect you for it. Don’t be afraid of being yourself!

4. Uber will be your new guardian angel, but just to be safe for when your 3G inevitably fails you, put a local, reputable taxi firm number in your phone. If, worst case scenario, you end up having to grab a taxi from a rank, try to make sure it’s licensed.

5. Take care when it comes to giving out your details. Obviously Fresher’s Week is a time to make friends but nobody wants to deal with unwanted attention during their first week in a new place.

6. Let people know where you’re going. Friends at Uni will become your family, so just like you’d tell your siblings or parents what you’re up to, tell your flatmates. Look out for each other. ‘There’s safety in numbers’ isn’t just your granny’s favourite throwaway phrase.

7. NEVER leave your drink unattended. You might think having your drink spiked will ‘never happen to me’ but unfortunately, it does happen, so always be aware.

8. Eating ain’t cheating. Eat well before a night out or a long day at Uni to keep your energy up. Plus, you’ll have a chance to test out your cooking skills on your unsuspecting housemates.

9. A pint please...of water. Keep hydrated!

10. Finally, know your limits! Don’t push yourself - you’ve a whole year (or maybe four) to go!