Fresher tips
Starting university is an exciting time, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. From moving out for the first time to making new friends and navigating Freshers Week, there’s a lot to take in.
Our guide is here to make sure you’re prepared for every step of the journey. Whether you’re looking for advice on settling into your new home, meeting people, or making the most of the festivities, we’ve got you covered. Let’s help you kick off your uni experience with confidence!
Moving out for university is a big step, but with a little preparation, it can be a smooth transition. Start by creating a packing list of essentials and don’t forget the small comforts that make your new space feel like home. Embrace the independence and remember to ask for help if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed—it’s all part of the experience.
Making friends at university is one of the most exciting parts of student life. From chatting with flatmates to joining societies, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with others. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone—everyone else is in the same boat, and a simple “hello” can go a long way!
Freshers Week is your chance to dive into university life and make unforgettable memories. With events, fairs, and parties happening all around campus, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Remember to pace yourself and take time to rest—Freshers Week is a marathon, not a sprint, and there’s no need to do everything.
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Explore Freshers week
Freshers Week is a dedicated week at the start of university designed to welcome new students. It’s packed with events, from social gatherings to student fairs, helping you meet new people and settle into campus life. It’s also a chance to explore your new city, join societies, and make a strong start to your university journey.
Not at all! Freshers Week is about finding what works for you. There’s no pressure to attend every event—pick the ones that suit your interests and energy levels. Sometimes a quiet night in or exploring campus at your own pace is just as valuable as attending a big party.
Meeting people is easy during Freshers Week because everyone is eager to make new connections. Attend events, introduce yourself to flatmates, and join a few societies to meet like-minded people. Even a simple "Hi, how’s your day going?" can spark a lasting friendship!
Bring the essentials for your accommodation, like bedding, kitchen supplies, and personal items, as well as outfits for a mix of activities (day events, themed parties, or casual gatherings). Don’t forget important documents like ID, student registration details, and any tickets or passes for Freshers events.
It’s completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed or miss home during such a big transition. Take time to rest, call family or friends, and remember it’s okay to have quiet moments. Most universities also have student support teams available if you need extra help.
Starting university is a big step, and having the right guidance can make all the difference. Our articles on starting university cover everything from packing essentials to what to expect in lectures, we’ve got you covered. University is a new adventure—take it one step at a time and make the most of the resources available to you.
Most people in the UK start university at 18 years old, right after finishing their A-Levels or equivalent. But don’t worry if you’re a bit older – loads of students take gap years, switch courses, or start later in life. There’s no “right” age – uni’s for everyone!
Uni usually kicks off in mid-to-late September, though some courses or unis might have slightly different start dates (especially for postgrads or certain healthcare courses). You’ll normally have a “Freshers’ Week” first – a whole week of fun events, society fairs, and meeting new people before lectures properly begin.
First things first: you’re going to want all the essentials to smash uni life. Think stationery, bedding, kitchen bits, and all the little things you won’t realise you’ve forgotten until you get there! We’ve got you covered – check out our Ultimate University Stationery Checklist so you can turn up prepared (and avoid those last-minute Tesco dashes!).
Ah, great question – and honestly, it’s different for everyone! But here are a few golden nuggets:
Budgeting is key – freshers’ events and takeaways add up fast.
You don’t need to make best friends in week one – friendships grow over time.
Lectures aren’t like school classes – you’ve got to stay on top of your own schedule.
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed at first – everyone’s winging it a little bit.
Most of all, uni’s a brilliant chance to explore who you are – so take opportunities, try new things, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
When choosing a university, it’s important to think about living arrangements. More and more students are becoming ‘commuter students’, who choose to live at home (usually with family) to save money. We’ve got a wide range of content for students who are choosing to live at home while at uni, from how to make friends and socialise to how to get around.
Starting university is a unique experience that’s full of opportunities. From meeting lifelong friends to discovering new passions, these first few weeks are all about stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the journey.
Why Unifresher?
At Unifresher, we understand student life because our guides are written by students, for students. From nightlife and local advice to saving money and finding hidden gems, every article is designed to make your university experience unforgettable.
Featured student writers
Our content is for students, written by students.
Hi I’m Sophie! I’m a creative writing student currently studying in London. I love writing both fiction ranging from short stories to flash fiction and non-fiction consisting mainly of book reviews. In my spare time aside from writing fiction I'm usually head down into a book or two.
Top tip for students? You deserve to be exactly where you are and deserve to want more. Always be willing to take on opportunities that will help you move forward in your career.
Hi I'm Mia, a History & Sociology Student studying in Manchester. My current favourite hobby is taking photos of rave culture at events with my friends in the city, as an EDM music lover myself. I love to post my pictures on my personal blog and fall into wormholes on Pinterest. If I'm not with a camera in hand, I'm probably curled up with a cuppa creating another vision board collage.
Top tip for students? Don't let bad grades in your first year get you down too much. It is such a huge step up from the school system and everyone, even the overachievers (me) need time to adjust. Academic validation isn't everything, but you are capable of anything if you take it one step at a time!
Hi, I'm Rachel! I'm a student at the University of Exeter and I study French and International Relations. When I'm not doing my seminar prep, I'm either reading a good fiction book, listening to a pop culture podcast or on the New York Times website! I enjoy writing the articles and guides I wished I had when I first started university.
Top tip for students? Make use of your professors' office hours as much as you can!
Hi, I'm Aiden! I'm a student at the University of Manchester studying Medicine! I'm passionate about writing and sharing my experiences to try and keep students well-informed. When I'm not in lecture or at the library, you can find me spending time with my friends, hiking on a scenic trail in the Peak District or in my flat's common room writing with a snack in hand.
Top tip for students? Ask why and how, and link new material to things you already know; don't just commit things to memory. A deeper understanding will help you remember, apply, and perform better.
Hi I’m Thea! I'm an undergrad anthropology student at the SOAS. I love all things pop culture, going to concerts, journaling and reading romance books.
Top tip for students? Time management is key - waiting until the deadline to start your assignment will only make your life harder (trust me I would know).
I'm Lola, an English Literature student in Bangor University. I'm passionate about Wesh culture, and poetry.
Top tip for students? Always make sure you find a good study space! It'll help you get your work done easier.
Hiya! I'm Jessica and I'm studying English at Ulster University where I spend most of my days trying out the local coffee shops with a good book in hand. My course allows me to do the thing I love (reading) both inside and outside of the classroom!
Top tip for students? Get involved! This is a fantastic way to make friends as well as elevate your uni experience.
I’m currently an English and Classics student in Birmingham. I’m an avid reader, and I love everything from modern French classics to ancient Greek poetry. In my free time, I also like gaming, art, and listening to music with my trusty noise-cancelling headphones!
Top tip for students? Try as many new things as you can! It may seem intimidating, especially if you’re in a new place or on your own, but stepping outside your comfort zone can lead you to discover things you love.
Hi I'm Emily and I'm a journalism student currently studying at Sheffield Hallam University. I've been in love with writing since I was ten, back when all my stories involved vampires. These days, I love writing about the realities of student life - sharing honest experiences and perspectives to help others. I'm also a big fan of long walks, live music, and Wes Anderson films!
Top tip for students? It's okay to take your time - university might feel weird at first, but it will settle. Go at your own pace and prioritise your mental health.
Hi, I'm Tori! I'm a recent Business & Management graduate from UWE Bristol. I'm an avid concert attendee outside (and alongside...) my studies, with my favourite genre being K-pop! As I take my first steps into a professional career, I'm using writing to bridge the transition between full-time academic writing to a corporate lifestyle.
Top tip for students? Don't get complacent! University might seem to take a step back and seem more chill than college but it's never too early to prepare for things, and there aren't always times when you will be prompted to start, so stay vigilant, and stay ahead. Good luck!
Hi! I’m Bea, and I’m a master’s student, studying History at Durham University. When I’m not studying or writing, you can usually find me listening to music, trying new recipes, or getting involved with theatre at uni. I love all things arts and culture, and will get involved at any opportunity.
Top tip for students? Throw yourself into everything! If it interests you, give it a go - you never know where new opportunities will take you.