Freshers: Mistakes All First-Years Will Make During Freshers Week

Believe me, we’ve all been there.

1. Signing up for every single society 

Don’t overcommit without trying out a few taster sessions first. You’ll end up with an inbox filled with messages from various societies you don’t even remember signing up for.  

2. Overpacking  

Every student is guilty of packing pointless things you will NEVER use and will probably forget you even own.  

3. Forgetting the essentials 

Despite the fact you’ve definitely overpacked, you’ll have most certainly not packed something crucial you’ll probably need during your first few days. Let’s be real, it’s probably cutlery. 

4. Throwing away your moving boxes 

Not everything is going to fit into your suitcase when the time comes to pack up at the end of the year and by that point you’ll have accumulated twice as many things. Hold onto those cardboard boxes and save your future self from the chaos of packing. 

5. Ruin your sleeping pattern / sleeping through lectures 

This is inevitable. Regardless of whether you’re a morning person or night owl, everybody will eventually mess up their sleeping schedule during the first couple of weeks. I’m going into my fourth year and I’ve just accepted I’ll never actually fix mine rip.  

6. Spending your loan within the first few days / Not creating a budgeting sheet 

Seeing your loan sitting in your bank for the first time is a pretty exciting time when you forget about the inevitable debt you’ll be in post-graduation. But don’t get carried away and buy everyone’s drinks because that has got to last you a while. Plan and BUDGET. It just makes life easier.   

7. Not documenting the damage 

Kinda boring, BUT, always take photos as proof of furniture or things in your accommodation that are already damaged when you arrive so you don’t get charged or lose your deposit at the end of the year. You’ll thank me later. 

8. Trying to make friends with everybody you meet 

The never-ending small talk and endless new faces can be pretty overwhelming during Freshers week. You’ll end up with so many new people following you on your socials that you don’t even remember meeting. Remember it’s normal to not click with everyone you meet, so don’t stress if you haven’t found ‘your people’ within the first few days. You will eventually! 

9. Overdoing it on the first weekly shop 

I remember panic buying in Tesco before the pandemic was even a thing. That first weekly shop is lowkey stressful, so plan your meals and please don’t overbuy or you’ll end up with a fridge full of questionable looking foods that have definitely gone out of date. 

10. Forgetting to sign up to a medical practice 

This is SO IMPORTANT. Make it a priority to register at your local GP. You never know when you’re going to need an appointment, so this just makes it way less stressful for when you’re actually unwell.  

11. Buying your entire reading list brand new 

This is such a common mistake, but you should always check out the bundle / second-hand deals before buying everything brand new. Honestly, it’s just unnecessary and hella expensive! 

12. Not being yourself  

Starting a new and exciting chapter in your life means it’s the perfect opportunity to reinvent yourself a little. And that’s absolutely fine, you do you! Just remember it’s important to stay true to who you are, and you shouldn’t ever feel pressured into acting or being a certain way. You’ll eventually make friends with people who love you for exactly who you are.  

13. Ignoring freshers’ flu 

Let me tell you, freshers’ flu is real. And it sucks. All I’m saying is make sure you’re stocked up on Lemsip and know your life isn’t over. Just watch some Netflix and give yourself time to rest/adjust.  

14. Not admitting that you’re homesick 

You’ll probably feel homesick at some point during freshers’ and feel like you’re the only one not having the ‘time of your life’. I guarantee you’re not the only one. It will hit everyone at some point. Call home, surround yourselves with home comforts and keep yourself busy. It’ll get easier.  

15. Thinking that freshers will last forever 

Freshers Week feels like a holiday with a bunch of strangers who you feel like you’ve known your entire life. I hate to break it to you, but to get a degree, you must start work at some point. Try not to leave required reading until the last minute. It isn’t worth the stress, sis. 

16. Comparing your freshers to your home friends’ freshers 

Even if it seems as though everyone is having the best time ever, most people will struggle to adjust at some point. There are so many expectations of freshers in particular, but I bet if you asked, most people would claim it’s actually slightly overrated. There are so many things to look forward to, and you’ll look back and realise you actually had nothing to worry about. Just give it time! 

17. Being too hard on yourself 

Once again, there are so many set expectations that uni and freshers week will be the best experience of your life. And while that can definitely be true, it’s important to remember that adjusting to uni life and culture can take time and will be a different experience for everyone. Be patient and trust that you’ll eventually find your feet.  

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