The Ultimate Freshers Survival Guide: 7 Essential Tips I Wish I Knew Before Freshers Week

Zero Gravity Scholar and Imperial College London legend Kieron is here to give you the dirt on Freshers - from the real practical tips like registering with a GP and how to dodge Freshers Flu, to avoiding classic Freshers Week clubbing scams. It's pretty comprehensive, but if Kieron missed anything, head over to our massive digital student community to ask any other questions you might have.

Freshers Week is a whirlwind of new faces, late nights, and electric excitement—a thrilling start to university life. However, it can often feel like stepping into the unknown. I remember my own Freshers Week as a blur of awkward icebreakers, late club nights, and countless introductions. Whether you’re an extrovert diving into every opportunity or an introvert navigating cautiously, this post is for you. I’ll share practical tips and tricks to help you not just survive but truly thrive as you embark on this new chapter.

1. Step Out and Say Hello: Embrace the Opportunity to Meet New People

Remember that you’re not alone! I was a ball of nerves in the car on the way to my first-year university accom – wondering if everyone was feeling the same blend of excitement and fear - little did I know that there I would meet friends for life. Everyone is in the same boat and is certainly feeling a bit awkward and shy. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Ask people about themselves - where they’re from, and what course they’re doing and see where it leads. Even if someone doesn’t seem like your usual type of friend, give it a shot, sometimes opposites do attract. Don’t stress about forming deep connections right away; those will come with time!

2. Tackle your life admin first

After moving into your university accommodation, here are some essential tasks to tackle:

• Organise Important Documents: A-Level results, acceptance letter, photo ID, etc.

• Register with Your GP and Dentist: Do this within the first few days.

• Get a Student Travel Card: Especially important for those in London.

• Know Your Schedule: Check your timetable and attend induction or taster classes.

3. Money! Money! Money! Budgeting during Freshers

Set aside some money before Freshers Week just for fun—I budgeted £100, which covered nights out, joining societies, and picking up last-minute items. If you haven’t saved, prioritise essentials like rent and food over extras. A good rule of thumb: if you can’t buy it twice without worry, think twice.

Don’t blow your budget on alcohol; it’s not worth the stress later. Use student discount apps like Unidays and Student Beans and set a weekly budget with daily limits to avoid overspending. Lastly, beware of the infamous Freshers wristband scam—they’re often a waste of money, so choose your events wisely and save money!

4. Expect to feel a bit homesick

For many, Freshers Week is the first time away from home, which can lead to homesickness. This is super common and a natural part of adjusting to university life. Remember, your flat and course-mates might feel the same way, so lean on each other for support. Try not to call home too often or visit too soon; give yourself time to adapt. Bring some comforts from home, like photos or teddies, to help ease the transition. If homesickness persists after a month, don’t hesitate to seek help from counselling services, tutors, or student welfare. You're not alone and support is always available.

5. Freshers Flu IS real!

I know a lot of you might be thinking you'll somehow dodge Freshers Flu, but trust me, it hits hard. Be prepared. Pack some Lemsip, Berocca, paracetamol, and anything else that might help you through it. Keep yourself hydrated, eat well, and try to get enough sleep—these will all help you recover quickly. I recommend bringing groceries and doing some meal prep before moving into your university accommodation, as I found it difficult to find time to cook during Freshers Week. Taking care of yourself will ensure you can enjoy every moment!

6. Dive in and Join as many societies as you can!

One of my biggest regrets from my first year is not joining enough societies. Make sure to attend your university's Freshers Fair—grab all the freebies and sign up for as many societies as you can at first. Many sports societies offer free taster sessions during Freshers Week, so take advantage of that! I remember trying water polo for the first time. I wasn’t an expert swimmer, but it was a great way to meet new people. After trying out some new societies, commit to 2 or 3 societies and try to attend those more regularly. Prioritise quality over quantity in terms of involvement!

If sports aren’t your thing, don’t worry—there are usually hundreds of other societies that might pique your interest. I’d also recommend joining cultural societies; they’re a great way to connect with others who share similar backgrounds and interests. For me, this was the Afro-Caribbean Society (ACS).

7. Don't let FOMO consume you

During Freshers Week, many of you will be clubbing for the first time. But if you're an introvert, I know this might feel daunting and a bit overwhelming. My advice? Give it a try at least once, just to see if it’s something you enjoy. But if it’s not your scene, that’s completely okay—you're not alone in feeling that way! Don’t let yourself get caught up in the pressure to go out or worry that you’re missing out on all the fun. There are plenty of other exciting ways to enjoy Freshers that don’t involve clubbing or drinking. You’ll find plenty of people who share your interests and enjoy different kinds of activities.

For those of you who will become avid club-goers, I can’t stress enough the importance of clubbing safely. Always stay with your group and keep an eye on each other. Be sure to cover your drinks and be aware of spiking; disposable drink covers are easy to find on Amazon and are worth the peace of mind. Drink responsibly and plan your journey home ahead of time, whether that’s with Bolt, Uber or the bus and remember, NEVER leave the club alone. Some of my best first-year memories come from clubbing, so definitely make the most of it and have as much fun as you can. Just remember to always look out for yourself and your friends!

To summarise?

Don't stress too much about making Freshers Week the pinnacle of your university experience. There’s often a lot of hype around this week being the wildest, most unforgettable time of your life, but the reality is that it’s different for everyone. Freshers Week is just the beginning, not the highlight, of your university journey. So, enjoy yourself, embrace the new experiences, and remember that the best moments are still ahead.

Some solid, REAL advice from Kieron there - legendary. Stay safe and have fun Freshers!

Want some more top tips about how to nail university? Beeline to the Zero Gravity student community, where you'll find thousands of members to ask all your crazy uni questions to. But it's not just for Freshers - we've all got loads of internships and career opportunities (including graduate job opportunities), career support and career mentoring, so no matter where you're at in your university journey, we've got you covered.