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

Key takeaways

  • Not everyone parties every night during Freshers Week, many students prefer low key events or time to settle in
  • Making friends does not happen instantly, building solid friendships takes time and shared experiences
  • You are not expected to know your way around or feel confident from day one, everyone feels nervous underneath
  • Freshers Week is not a once in a lifetime opportunity, there are plenty more chances to get involved during term
  • Many universities offer a mix of daytime, sober and inclusive events to help everyone feel welcome

Freshers Week is one of the most talked-about parts of uni life, but it’s also surrounded by a lot of myths. Whether you’ve seen TikToks hyping it up or heard horror stories from older siblings, the truth is usually somewhere in the middle. In this guide, we break down the biggest Freshers Week myths and compare them to what actually happens, so you can go in feeling confident, not confused.

Myth 1: You Have to Go Out Every Night

Reality: While many unis put on big club nights, you don’t need to go to all or any of them to have a great Freshers. Most students mix up parties with daytime events like society fairs, pizza nights and film screenings. If you’re not into clubbing, read our guide on what to do if you don’t like partying at Freshers.

Myth 2: Freshers Week Will Define Your Entire Uni Experience

Reality: It’s just the first week. Yes, you’ll meet people and settle in but plenty of students find their real friends later through societies, group work or accommodation changes. Don’t worry if your Freshers isn’t picture perfect from day one.

Myth 3: Everyone Instantly Becomes Best Friends with Their Flatmates

Reality: Sometimes, but not always. You might click with your flat straight away, or you might not. It’s completely normal to bond gradually or to make your closest friends outside your accommodation. Joining societies is a great way to meet people with shared interests.

Myth 4: You’ll Get Freshers Flu No Matter What

Reality: Not everyone gets ill during Freshers, and you can lower your chances with a few simple tips. Stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and don’t overdo it on alcohol. If you do feel unwell, check out our guide on how to avoid Freshers flu.

Myth 5: You Need to Have Everything Sorted Before Term Starts

Reality: Freshers Week is all about getting your bearings. You’ll be given your timetable, shown around campus, and introduced to services like the library and student support. Don’t panic if you don’t have your books, printer or weekly routine worked out on Day One.

Myth 6: You Have to Drink to Fit In

Reality: Absolutely not. While alcohol is part of many Freshers events, there are loads of sober activities too, from quiz nights to movie screenings and sport taster sessions. More unis are now promoting inclusive Freshers Weeks to make everyone feel welcome.

Myth 7: You’ll Miss Out If You Skip Freshers

Reality: Missing some or all of Freshers won’t ruin your uni experience. You can still make friends, join societies and get to know your course later on. For reassurance, check out our guide on what happens if you miss Freshers Week.

Myth 8: It’s All Parties and No Preparation

Reality: While Freshers is definitely fun, there are practical things to do too, like registering with a GP, opening a student bank account and getting your ID. Make sure you balance social time with admin tasks to start uni smoothly. Need a checklist? Try our Freshers packing list.

Myth 9: You Only Get One Shot at Freshers

Reality: Many unis run Re-Freshers Week later in the year. Plus, there are welcome events throughout the term, especially for international students and late starters. You’ve got time to find your rhythm.

Final Thoughts

Freshers Week is a whirlwind of new faces, events and info, but don’t believe the hype or the horror stories. It’s a chance to ease into uni life on your own terms. Focus on what matters to you, pace yourself, and keep an open mind. And if you’re not sure where to begin, read our student-written survival guide to help you get started.

Frequently asked questions

What are the biggest myths about Freshers Week?

One of the biggest myths is that you have to party every night to enjoy Freshers. In reality, many students prefer chill activities, and universities offer loads of non-drinking events too.

While some people do form lasting friendships early on, many students find their core group later in the year. Freshers is a good starting point, but friendships often evolve over time.

Not exactly. While most unis have similar elements like club nights, fairs, and welcome talks, the vibe and scale vary. Some are big city-wide events, others are more local and low-key.

Not at all. While it’s a good opportunity to meet people and explore campus, there are still plenty of chances to get involved, join societies, and make friends throughout your first year.

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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