2013-07-03
Fresher's week is your first week at university, however it is not limited to first years or 'freshers'. During this week you'll have to put up with your introductory lectures (which should be pretty easy), as well as meeting all the new people you'll be living with for the coming year. Furthermore, as second and third years also come out to party, you can even made new friends with people not on your course.

Fresher's week is all about settling into university, and from the sports clubs and society trials to you figuring out where your lecture and seminar classes are, it is a busy and frantic week. Each university has a student union, a place where you can go if you have any problems or questions. For example, if you're not happy with your accommodation, or even the people that you're living with. Additionally, they'll also help you find your way around the university, and let you know about all the cool things that happen during fresher's week.

University students usually move in to their accommodation three or four days before fresher's week starts, so you'll have time to prepare yourself for what is to come. Not only will you be exploring all the clubs and bars in your local area, but there will also be competitions and special freshers parties to go to as well! Let's take a look at some of the best ways to prepare for fresher's week so you don't miss out.

Food
One of the easiest ways to get through fresher's week is to make sure you have a fully-stocked fridge. We've all been hungover, and the last thing you ever want to do in the midst of a headache is leave your room to buy food. From fruit and vegetables to pastas and sauces, you'll want everything you need to make a slap up meal at your fingertips, and not at your local supermarket. Better yet, why not make the food the night before, so all you have to do is heat it up!

Alcohol
Although many of the bars and clubs on your fresher's route will be offering special drinks promotions, you'll still be encouraged to splash your student loan across the city. One of the easiest ways to keep your spending to a low, as well as not exceeding your limits, is to buy alcohol at your nearest supermarket, and drink before you hit the town. Big supermarkets like Tesco and Asda know when fresher's week is, and they'll do great deals on drinks. Better yet, why not chip in with all your new house mates and get some drinking games going! If you're looking for the best student accommodation before you go to university, be sure to contact the student union for information.

Student ID
One thing you must never forget when hitting the town on your fresher's week is your student ID. Clubs realise that non-students aim to capitalise on the cheaper drinks, and pretend they're students to get a cheap night out! All clubs will request your student ID, and even a driver's licence, to make sure you are who you say you are. Furthermore, you student ID can even get you discounted food in places like McDonalds.

For more student information, check out The Student Guide.

David is a former university student offering tips and advice to forthcoming students going into higher education.