For new university students, Freshers’ Week is a time of many firsts. From being the first time living away from home, to learning how to cook without setting the fire alarm off, Freshers’ Week is a seven-day marathon of new experiences. Coming to Leeds from living in the middle of nowhere, and having never set foot in a club before, Freshers in the UK’s third-largest city and party capital of the North was a shock to the system.
As Freshers’ Week fades into memories, I caught up with some of my fellow first-years to reflect on their first taste of university life:
Amber 
Studying: Maths
What were you main concerns about Freshers before arriving at university?
A: I think it was mainly being placed in halls with a group of people who I wouldn’t get on with very well, or that I’d end up feeling excluded. However, it’s been absolutely fine so far. Living in halls has given me the opportunity to socialise with loads of different people, so making new friends has definitely not been a problem.
What challenges have you been faced with during Freshers?
A: Trying to stick to a routine. In Freshers’ Week, you get so used to staying out late, that coming back down to earth for introductory lectures is quite a task.
Have you joined any societies?
A: I’ve joined the Horse-Riding Socieity and the Maths Society. I’d recommend to everyone that you join your own faculty society, so that you can get to know the people on your course, and ask second and third- years for advice.
Any Freshers’ Week Fails?
A: Buying lots of tickets to events before coming to university-I’ve just ended up selling them all. You’re better off just seeing what everyone else in your halls is doing, as most people won’t have bought any before arriving.
Any other advice for Freshers of the future?
A: Make the most of Freshers and socialise as much as you can, as after the first week, people start to form their own little cliques.
Andrew 
Studying: Medicine
What were you most looking forward to about Freshers’ Week?
A: Meeting new people. I come from a small town, where I’ve socialising with the same people for years, so I was really looking forward to living with new people. I’m a sociable kind of person, so having the opportunity to meet lots of interesting people was a great prospect.
How have you found living away from home?
A: When I lived at home, I was quite independent, so moving to university has been quite a similar experience, apart from the fact I’m now living with lots of other people.
Q: How has it been meeting new people and making new friendships?
A: I’ve loved it! I’ve met some of the greatest people ever! I know that it has been a challenge for some, but it’s been really fun for me.
Becky
Studying: Business Management
Q: What were your main concerns about Freshers before starting university?
A: Whether I’d cope with living away from home, as before Freshers, I’d never lived alone. I was also a bit scared about whether I’d make any friends, and had already started worrying if I would be able to handle the work for my degree.
Q: How has it been meeting new people and making new friendships?
A: I’ve enjoyed making friends. I live with a really nice group of people, so that has helped me with settling in to life at university. I think I would have been much more homesick if it wasn’t for the fact that we all get on so well.
Have you joined any societies?
A: I’ve joined the Business society, and Get Out, Get Active, a scheme that allows students to participate in different sports, which is something I enjoy doing. I’m also going to try out Kick-boxing.
Cesca 
Studying: Medicine
What were you most looking forward to about Freshers’ Week?
A: The chance to make new friends and living independently.
Q: How have you found living away from home?
A:I did a gap year, and lived apart from my family for five months whilst skiing in La Plagne, so I’m used to being away from home. I always seem to forget my new address, but other than that, everything has been fine- touch wood!
Have you joined any societies?
A: I’ve signed up for lots of things: caving, scuba-diving, ice-hockey. I went to street-dancing yesterday, which was amazing, so I want to do that. Korfball looks really interesting as it’s one of the only sports to have mixed-gender teams. I’ve also joined MedSoc, which means that I get to go to lots of cool socials.
Any advice for Freshers of the future?
A: Freeze your bread. It stops it from going mouldy!
What is your advice to future Freshers? Have your say in the comments section below.
