The fantastic Chloe Bezer, one of Zero Gravity Scholars, has written us a fantastic guide on how to survive Freshers Week. Starting uni is insanely daunting, so who better to take advice from than someone who has been there before!
Hi! I’m Chloe, a Zero Gravity Scholar. I’m going into my third year of Medical Science at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), and I’m here to share my top tips to help make your Freshers' experience as smooth, fun, and meaningful as possible!
Starting university is such an exciting time, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. Trust me, I’ve been there. Hopefully this blog with put you at ease (a least a little!) as you start this exciting new journey!
1. Packing the Essentials: More Than Just Clothes
Congratulations! You’ve got through results day and are heading to university — I know how stressful that can be! Now comes the fun part: preparing for your new adventure. But before you head off, let’s talk about packing.
Whether you’re moving into university halls, privately rented accommodation, or commuting from home, there are certain essentials every student needs. While it’s easy to grab a packing guide off the internet (the UCAS packing list is a great one), it’s important to think about the things that will really make your space feel like home. Sure, LED lights are cool, but there’s more to consider...
Start with the basics. Check the inventory of your accommodation. Does your room come with a desk lamp? How many plug sockets are there? If there aren’t many, you might need to bring an extension lead. It’s a small thing, but it can make a big difference when you're trying to charge your phone, power up your laptop, AND use your hair dryer at the same time.
Also, think about the day-to-day essentials that will make your life easier. What do you use on a daily basis? A laundry basket may not sound exciting, but trust me, it’s a necessity. A shopping trolley may also work well for you if the shops are that little bit too far. And don’t forget kitchen items if you’re in self-catered accommodation — basic cutlery, pots, and pans are a must.
On the academic side, make sure you’ve got a good device for your studies. Whether it’s a laptop or a tablet, pick something reliable and portable. I personally love using a laptop because it’s versatile — I can use it for note-taking, essays, research, and Netflix marathons, of course. If you prefer taking notes by hand, that’s great too, but make sure you have a system in place to transfer them digitally or keep them organised.
2. Budgeting Like a Pro
Once you’ve packed all your essentials, your finances should be next on the list. Money management is super important and many universities have money advice services available, so don’t panic!
Freshers Week can be a whirlwind of social events, new experiences with many spending opportunities! You’ll want to make sure your money lasts, so budgeting is key.
Start by looking at your income. Do you have savings from a part-time job? Have you applied for student finance, and if so, how much will you be getting? Are you planning to work while you study? All of these factors will play into how much money you have to work with.
Next, think about your expenses. If you’re living away from home, rent will probably be your biggest expense, but don’t forget about other costs like groceries, transport, and even social events. If you’re driving, you’ll need to budget for petrol and parking; if you’re taking public transport, consider the cost of travel cards or bus passes.
Here’s my personal budgeting system to give you an idea:
At the start of each term, I make a list of all my potential income. This includes Student Finance payments, and any money I expect to earn from my part-time jobs.
Then, I list my fixed expenses. These are things like rent (my bills are included) and tuition fees (if applicable). Once I subtract these from my income, I know how much I have left for everything else.
Next, I estimate my variable expenses. This covers things like food, travel, entertainment, and even those spontaneous meet ups with friends. I try to be as flexible as possible as university life can be unpredictable!
Finally, I always leave room for savings. Whether it’s for emergencies, holidays, or even just for the future, having some savings gives me peace of mind. You might want to set a goal to keep you motivated.
Another important thing to note is that you're a student, so make the most of student discounts such as Student Beans, UniDays and Totum. You can also get a student railcard for travel which will save you up to 1/3 on travel - really useful if you're living far from home.
Remember, budgeting doesn’t have to be restrictive. It’s about knowing where your money is going so you can enjoy university without constantly worrying about finances. As I said there are many people to help you and it’s trial and error - I’m by no means an expert!
3. Finding Balance Between Studies and Fun
Freshers Week is a time to meet new people, join societies, and make memories! But it’s also the perfect opportunity to get your academic routine started on the right foot.
One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to find a balance between socialising and studying. During Freshers, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of social events (there will be so many), but don’t forget why you’re at university in the first place. Setting aside some time to organise your timetable, explore the campus, and get familiar with your course materials will save you a lot of stress later on.
That said, university is about more than just academics, so definitely make the most of the social side! Freshers Fairs are an amazing opportunity to sign up for clubs and societies — I joined netball in my first year and have continued each season since. Try something new! I tried badminton thinking I wouldn’t continue, but I’m still learning and having fun with it.
Even if you don’t stick with it long term, you’ll have fun, meet new people and maybe learn something about yourself.
4. Just Have Fun!
Freshers Week only happens once, so enjoy it! University is one of the most exciting and explorative times of your life. Keep an open mind, be yourself, and take every opportunity to experience something new.
Also, don’t stress if things don’t go how you planned. Not every social event will be amazing, and not everyone you meet will be lifelong friends (although some might!). It’s all part of the experience, and you’ll look back and laugh about it later.
I hope you found my top tips for surviving Freshers Week useful. Remember, this is your journey, so make it your own and just be you. You’ve got this!
Good luck and enjoy every moment!
