This article was written by Connor Steele, a Freshers Expert at Unifresher. Connor studied at University of Sussex.

Key takeaways

  • Freshers Week usually lasts between 5 and 7 days, starting just before your course begins.
  • Each day typically includes a mix of social events, club nights, campus tours, and society fairs.
  • Some universities spread Freshers across two weeks, with daytime and evening activities for different vibes.
  • It’s your time to meet new people, explore the city, and get familiar with your uni before lectures begin.

Freshers Week typically lasts 7 days, starting just before your academic timetable begins. While the exact schedule varies by university, you can expect a mix of daytime welcome events, evening socials, and orientation sessions across the week. It’s your official introduction to uni life, giving you time to settle into accommodation, meet people, join societies, and find your way around campus, before lectures even start.

When Does Freshers Week Usually Start?

Most universities hold Freshers Week the week before teaching begins, usually mid to late September. Your exact start date depends on your institution, but you’ll often move in on a weekend, with events kicking off that evening or the following Monday. If you’re unsure, check your uni’s welcome emails or visit the UCAS Freshers guide for general timelines.

What Happens on Each Day of Freshers Week?

Freshers Week is jam-packed with events that cover everything from admin tasks to themed parties. While the schedule differs at each uni, here’s a typical breakdown of how the week unfolds:

Move-In Weekend

  • Get your room keys, unpack, and meet your flatmates
  • Attend your first welcome talk or flat social
  • Explore your new surroundings, campus maps are your best friend

Monday: Campus & Course Introductions

  • Attend induction talks for your department
  • Register for your student ID and check your timetable
  • Optional evening event: welcome party or society mixer

Tuesday: Freshers Fair & Freebies

  • Visit the Freshers Fair to grab discounts, sign up to societies, and meet student reps
  • Free food, samples, vouchers and local business stalls are standard
  • Night-time events often include pub crawls or quiz nights

Wednesday: Sports and Societies

  • Clubs and societies host taster sessions, try out anything from rugby to chess
  • Meet new people in casual, no-pressure settings
  • Evening: club night or movie night hosted by your student union

Thursday to Saturday: Socials & Settling In

  • More themed parties, bar crawls, or chilled hangouts depending on your vibe
  • Time to explore your town or city, get supplies, and learn your local bus routes
  • Try cooking in your flat with new housemates or find nearby student-friendly spots

Sunday: Chill & Prep

  • A slower pace, perfect for laundry, food shops, or a lie-in
  • Plan your first week of lectures and get your student planner ready
  • Some unis hold a ‘Re-Freshers’ brunch or wellbeing event to ease into the term

Do You Have to Attend Everything?

No. Freshers Week is optional, and the events are designed for variety. Whether you’re an extrovert eager for every party or prefer quieter socials and workshops, there’s no pressure to join it all. Pick what feels right for you. If you’re unsure how to balance your week, check out our Freshers Survival Guide written by students who’ve been through it.

Are Freshers Events Only for First Years?

Most Freshers Week events are aimed at first-year students, but second and third years often join in, especially society leaders or student ambassadors. If you missed the first week or arrived late, you can catch a second wave of events during Re-Freshers Week in January, where societies and services open their doors again.

Final Thoughts

Freshers Week is a one-time opportunity to ease into university life before lectures begin. It typically lasts a week, but the memories and connections, you make can stick with you long after. From discovering your go-to takeaway to meeting your future best mate at a quiz night, every day offers a chance to shape your student experience. If you want more tips, see our guide on 10 mistakes to avoid during Freshers Week or chat to a student contributor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Freshers Week usually last?

Freshers Week typically lasts five to seven days, depending on the university. Some institutions extend events over two weeks to ease students into campus life.

The first day usually includes moving in, welcome talks, campus tours, and the first of many social events. It’s all about settling into your accommodation and getting familiar with the uni.

Yes, most days are filled with a mix of academic briefings, society fairs, daytime activities and evening socials. You don’t have to attend everything—just choose what suits your vibe.

Absolutely. Each university has its own schedule, traditions and types of events. Some lean more on nightlife, while others focus on day-time welcome activities and niche interest meetups.

Question still unanswered? See our full list of FAQs here or submit your own.

Author

  • Connor is a seasoned content expert at Unifresher, specialising in publishing engaging and insightful student-focused content. With over four years of experience in data analysis and content strategy, Connor has a proven track record of supporting publishing teams with high-quality resources. A graduate of the University of Sussex with a BSc in Accounting and Finance, he combines his academic background with his passion for creating content that resonates with students across the UK. Outside of work, Connor enjoys staying active at his local gym and walking his miniature dachshunds.

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