Freshers’ week isn’t for everyone – here’s 4 reasons why I chose to opt out

Marking the start of the university year – freshers’ week is widely recognised for the excessive drinking and partying that happens during this time. And though many people take part in it, it can be a very unsettling time especially for those of us who prefer a cosy night in. For me personally, freshers’ week has never looked appealing (except for the whole no classes to attend to during it). There are a couple of reasons why I opt out of this “rite of passage” when it comes around so let me share them with you in case you’re feeling similar.

1. Peer pressure

A very real issue for us as students – peer pressure plays a big part in why some people, me included, don’t enjoy freshers’ week. Even though we’re all adults and think peer pressure is more of a child issue from our high school days, it most certainly appears in university life. During freshers’ week there are many different activities that take place, but the ones that are probably the most famous are the raving parties and the heavy, and I mean HEAVY, drinking. I have heard my fair share of drinking horror stories from that week alone but thankfully never witnessed any. Peer pressure is a very common occurance, especially when alcohol is involved. In fact the Manchester Metropolitan University Students’ Union state that the added pressure of wanting to make friends make it easier to get caught up in peer pressure. For many people the first week is all about trying to make a great first impression so it can be quite easy to get swept up in everything that is happening and end up doing things you might not be 100% okay with. But because the people you are with are doing it, you might feel like you have to to ‘fit in’. However there are ways to handle such times:

1. Say no, you are not under any obligation to drink even if someone offers you one.
2. Please don’t feel pressured, you do not have to explain why you don’t want to drink. If someone tries to guilt you into drinking or makes you feel bad about it then they are NOT a good friend
3. Know your limits and Stay safe. If you do decide to drink then firstly make sure that it is your decision and no one elses. After that it’s up to you with how you play it

Here’s a couple of tips for drinking safely include eat before drinking so the food can absorb some of alcohol entering your system, remember to drink water (your head will thank you tomorrow); always have a set of eyes on your drink whether they’re your own or someone you trust with your life, literally, and never leave a drink unattended. If you do then ask someone behind the bar to throw it away as it is not worth the risk. Also make sure you check out our article on being sober curious at uni.

2. Homesickness

Now this was quite possibly the biggest reason why I didn’t take part in freshers’ week, especially during my 1st year at university. Homesickness might seem like a joke to some but it actually can affect you more than you might think. When I first applied to the University of Salford and began packing once accepted, all I could think about was how exciting having my own place would be (even if I would still be sharing a kitchen and lounge space) and how cool it would be having a new sense of freedom. Even as the move got closer, my excitement never subsided. It was only after everyone had said goodbye and I was left alone in my room that the emotions finally took over. I was confused about what to do with myself for the first hour and then had a bit of a cry. No shame in it, happens to everyone. So while feeling homesick, I didn’t really feel like going out partying in freshers’ week. Instead I concentrated on making my room feel like home, relaxing, feeling all the feelings I needed to and just taking my time.

3. Personal preference

I have much more of an introverted personality now than I did when I was younger so going out drinking in the city and being shoved about in crowds of people definitely doesn’t have the same appeal as it once did. The whole atmosphere is a bit off-putting. Sure at the start of the night everyone is happy and laughing and having a good time; but then the clock strikes midnight and for some reason that’s when all the morons decide to come out of hiding and ruin the vibe. Another reason I prefer to opt out of freshers’ week is that I would much prefer to have a cosy night in with a book over freshers’ week. For me a perfect night involves a cheeky takeaway, a bundle of blankets and relaxing with either a good book or a favourite film (my go to is always the Lord Of The Rings trilogy). I don’t need to be stuffed in a room with people sweating, jumping around and drinks being thrown from one end to the other, I am perfectly at peace listening to the music I want to hear in my own room without the risk of a drink being spilt on me – unless if I’m having one of those days, we all have them sometimes.

4. Money

One thing that really stops me wanting to go out for a full week drinking is the prices – they’re extortionate! I’m sorry but how anyone can justify spending almost £4 for a beer when you can get a 12 pack from your local ASDA for a fraction of the price I will never know. Yes there are a ton of freshers deals on, but if you’re out every night for a week it still adds up. So why not save some money and do something you really enjoy? Through my time at university, my anxiety around being alone away from home and opting out of past freshers’ week has improved immensely. Despite this though I still have had no desire to take part in freshers’ week full stop, and I’ve learned that that’s okay. You can opt out of taking part in freshers’ week and not be made to feel bad about doing so (though if your family is like mine you might get a slight teasing about not getting the “full university experience”). Freshers’ week is a different experience for everyone and as long as you make it your own then that’s all that matters. If you’re still curious about freshers’ week and don’t want to totally opt out, but feel a little bit put off by how crazy it can all get – check out our introvert’s guide to surviving freshers‘.