Charley’s unsolicited weekly take on the uni topics no one else dares to mention…
Happy September 1st to all those who celebrate: the start of Autumn, a brand new academic year and more importantly: the month of fresher’s week.
It’s probably the only week of the year we carefully plan every moment: from collecting dominos vouchers to foundry tickets, and a pharmacy trip to cure the inevitable illnesses we will all acquire by the end.
But this week isn’t just for the fresh faced little first years: all of us seasoned returners can enjoy it, maybe even more than the year before. Here are my wise tips to enjoy fresher’s week as someone who had a less than ideal week as an actual fresher:
- Engage: attend all the freshers fairs, procure all your freebies, join some societies and just talk to people! Even if you’ve done it before there’s always chances to grace even more people with your presence. On that note, please stop by the Forge Press stall in the Activities Fair so I don’t look like as much of an idiot trying to promote it, thanks!
- Acclimatise: Many of us will be moving to different areas of Sheffield than last year: meaning a new route to uni, new supermarkets and the most important part: new pubs. Take some time, either by yourself or with your housemates, to get to know the are through long walks, google searches and of course, testing out every pint in your local pub! It’s not alcoholism if it has a purpose.
- Prepare: if clubbing is your thing, book your events now! Figure out which nights seem more of your thing, with rest days in between so you don’t die off before lectures even start. Although it’s an exciting time, DO NOT forget a food shop: without carbs before you head to the club, your night will end in disaster (meaning your bathroom and bedroom walls will never be the same again).
- Experiment: No, not in THAT way (although it is uni so I can’t stop you), but even if you are getting old and boring, try new things! Societies run free “Give it a Go” sessions for a reason so you might as well try out a niche hobby or a random sport if you feel like it. You never know, it may become your main personality trait in a month! But even if it’s not, you haven’t lost anything by trying!
- Take it easy: yes, it’s an important week but its not the be all and end all. Although these opportunities are easier to come across during freshers does not mean that you can’t be super cool at other points in the year either. It can be overwhelming so just look after yourself over anything else and settle into the new uni year- but also if you do want to go absolutely feral for a week- that’s okay!
So basically: fresher’s week is usually great, especially when it’s not your first time, but even if it’s not you’ll still be okay! We’ve got a whole year to reinvent ourselves if that’s what we choose so let’s just look forward to that rather than putting so many expectations on one isolated week!
Come back next Monday for another column from your new favourite oversharer!
Image Credits: Organised Chaos Events
