Freshers week
What Freshers Week is really like and how to make the most of your first days at uni.
Written by
Connor Steele
Reviewed by
Content Team
Updated
February 15, 2026
Est. Read
5 mins
Freshers’ Week is one of the most talked-about parts of university life and also one of the most misunderstood. Depending on who you ask, it’s either the best week of your life, an exhausting blur, or something you quietly survive while wondering if you’re doing it “wrong”.
The truth is, Freshers’ Week looks different for everyone. This guide explains what Freshers’ Week actually is, what happens, what you should and shouldn’t worry about, and how to get through it feeling okay, even if you don’t drink or party.
What is Freshers’ Week?
Freshers’ Week is the introductory week at the start of university designed to help new students settle in. It usually includes welcome talks, campus tours, society fairs, and social events organised by the university and students’ union.
Despite its reputation, Freshers’ Week isn’t just about nights out. It’s meant to help you find your way around, meet people, and ease into university life before academic work begins.
You’ll often hear people shorten it to “Freshers”. It simply refers to new students and the events aimed at them.
When is Freshers’ Week?
Freshers’ Week usually takes place in September, just before teaching officially starts. Exact dates vary by university, but it typically runs for one week between move-in weekend and the first week of classes.
Some universities also run extended or staggered Freshers’ events, especially for international students or those arriving later.
Freshers dates checker
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Key dates
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Always check your official uni emails and timetable for the final confirmed schedule.
Are there any classes during Freshers’ Week?
In most cases, no.
Freshers’ Week is usually class-free, with teaching starting the following week. Some courses may have introductory sessions, induction talks, or diagnostic tests, but you won’t be thrown straight into full lectures.
Always check your timetable or course emails, but don’t panic if things feel quiet academically at first.
Quick reassurance
Tap what you are worried about.
What this usually means
An empty timetable is normal. Teaching usually starts the following week. Use this week to settle in and learn your campus.
Can anyone go to Freshers’ Week?
Freshers’ Week is primarily for first-year undergraduate students, but many events are open to postgraduates, foundation year students, and transfer students.
Some events are ticketed or restricted to your students’ union, but the majority are open and welcoming.
Do I have to go to Freshers’ Week?
No, and this is genuinely important to hear.
Despite how Freshers’ Week is often portrayed online, you don’t have to attend every event, every night, or even the week at all. Freshers’ Week is optional, not compulsory, and choosing to skip parts of it does not mean you’ve failed university before it’s even started.
A lot of the pressure around Freshers comes from social media and group chats, where it can seem like everyone is constantly out, meeting people, and having the time of their lives. In reality, plenty of students feel overwhelmed, tired, anxious, or simply uninterested in the typical schedule and that is completely normal.
Many students make their closest friends weeks or even months later through lectures, seminars, societies, sports teams, part-time jobs, or shared accommodation. University social life does not peak in the first week, and there is no deadline on finding your people.
You’re allowed to take things at your own pace. Freshers’ Week is there if you want it, but your university experience is about far more than just the first few days.
What to wear during Freshers’ Week
There’s no dress code for Freshers’ Week, despite what social media might make it look like. You don’t need a brand-new wardrobe, matching outfits with your flat, or clothes that scream fresher.
Most students spend Freshers’ Week wearing fairly normal, practical clothes. During the day, that usually means casual outfits for campus tours, society fairs, and registration events. Shoes matter more than anything else because you will do far more walking than you expect.
For evenings or social events, most people wear whatever makes them feel confident, whether that’s jeans and a nice top, something a bit dressier, or something low-key.
Comfort beats aesthetics. Freshers’ Week involves a lot of queueing, moving between buildings, standing around, and occasionally sitting on floors. Feeling physically comfortable will do far more for your confidence than trying to look like an influencer.
Outfit ideas that actually work
Pick a vibe. These are practical starting points, not rules.
If you only upgrade one thing, make it shoes.
What to do in Freshers’ Week if you don’t drink
Freshers’ Week can feel very alcohol-centred, especially in the evenings, but you absolutely don’t have to drink to enjoy it or to fit in.
Most students’ unions run a wide range of non-alcohol-focused events throughout the week. These often include society taster sessions, movie nights, games cafés, quizzes, welcome talks, craft events, and daytime meet-ups. Many of these are specifically designed to be relaxed and inclusive.
Outside of official events, a lot of friendships form naturally in accommodation kitchens, shared study spaces, libraries, or simply chatting to people in the daytime when things feel calmer. These interactions are often more meaningful than shouting over music in a club.
Choosing not to drink does not make you boring, antisocial, or doing Freshers wrong. You won’t be the only one not drinking, even if it feels that way at first.
Find events that suit you
Use the toggles to filter. This is example data and can be swapped with your real Freshers listings.
If nights out are not your thing, daytime events and society tasters are usually the best place to meet people.
Is Freshers’ Week partying?
Sometimes, but not always.
Yes, there are parties, club nights, bar crawls, and big social events, and some students love that side of Freshers. But Freshers’ Week isn’t one long night out unless you actively choose to make it that way.
Most students dip in and out. They might go out one night, skip the next, leave early, or decide halfway through that they’d rather go home. Others focus almost entirely on daytime events or societies.
There’s no single right way to do Freshers. Enjoyment doesn’t depend on how many nights you go out. It depends on doing what actually suits you.
Which university has the best Freshers’ Week?
There’s no official answer and there never will be.
Some universities are known for big nightlife scenes, others for creative events, community-focused activities, or society-led programmes. What feels like the best Freshers’ Week depends entirely on what you enjoy.
The loudest or most hyped Freshers online isn’t automatically the most enjoyable in real life.
Freshers rankings
If you want a quick reality check, these are good places to start.
Best universities for Freshers’ Week
See which unis students rate highest
Worst universities for Freshers’ Week
The unis students found hardest
Use rankings for ideas, then choose what suits you. Your best Freshers is the one that matches your vibe.
How to survive Freshers’ Week
Freshers’ Week can be intense in ways people don’t always talk about. Even if you’re excited, the constant socialising, new environment, and lack of routine can be draining emotionally as well as physically.
Surviving Freshers’ Week isn’t about pushing yourself harder. It’s about pacing yourself.
That means eating proper meals rather than living on snacks, drinking water alongside anything alcoholic, sleeping when you can, and giving yourself permission to say no. You don’t need to attend every event, reply to every message, or be socially available all the time.
Taking breaks doesn’t mean you’re missing out. It means you’re looking after yourself.
Freshers survival checklist
Tick these off daily. It sounds basic, but it works.
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How to avoid getting sick during Freshers’ Week
One of the most common worries during Freshers’ Week is getting ill, especially with what’s often called Freshers’ flu.
To reduce your chances of getting sick, simple habits matter more than you might think. Washing your hands regularly, avoiding sharing drinks or vapes, getting enough sleep, eating properly, and staying hydrated all help support your immune system.
Your body is adjusting to new people, shared spaces, stress, and disrupted routines all at once. Looking after your basic health can make a real difference.
What is Freshers’ flu and why is it so bad?
Freshers’ flu isn’t a single illness. It’s a catch-all term for the colds, flu-like viruses, and infections that spread quickly when lots of people start living closely together for the first time.
People often ask:
Is Freshers’ flu contagious? Yes. Like most viral illnesses, it spreads easily in shared spaces.
Does Freshers’ flu make you throw up? It can, depending on the virus, but it’s not always a stomach bug.
Freshers’ flu often feels worse because it hits when your body is already tired, stressed, and adjusting to a completely new environment. That combination makes even minor illnesses feel rough.
How to recover from Freshers’ flu
There’s no instant cure for Freshers’ flu, but you can help yourself recover faster.
Rest is the most important thing. Drinking fluids, eating light but nourishing food, avoiding alcohol while you’re ill, and using over-the-counter remedies can all help manage symptoms.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or last longer than expected, contact your GP, NHS 111, or your university health service.
Freshers’ flu tips
Tap through quick tips you can actually follow.
Tip
Cancel one plan and sleep. You will recover faster and you will not lose your whole week.
Final thought
Freshers’ Week is a starting point, not a test. There’s no pass or fail, just different ways of beginning something new.
Frequently asked questions
Freshers Week can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. These FAQs explain what actually happens, what matters, and how to make it work for you.
What is Freshers Week?
Freshers Week is the first week or two of university, designed to help new students settle in. It usually includes welcome talks, course introductions, social events, and societies fairs.
Despite the name, it is not just about nights out. It is mainly about getting familiar with campus, meeting people, and understanding how uni life works.
Is Freshers Week compulsory?
No part of Freshers Week is compulsory, but some academic sessions and inductions are strongly recommended.
You do not have to attend every event. Most students pick a few things each day and skip the rest.
Do I have to go out drinking during Freshers?
No. Drinking is optional, and plenty of students choose not to drink at all.
There are usually daytime events, sober socials, and society meet ups where alcohol is not the focus. You will not miss out on making friends if you skip nights out.
What should I actually prioritise in Freshers Week?
The most useful priorities are getting settled, learning where things are, and meeting a few people you feel comfortable with.
Finding your lecture buildings, library, students union, and nearest shops will help far more than trying to attend every event.
How do people make friends during Freshers?
Most friendships start from repeated, low pressure contact rather than big nights out.
Talking to people in halls, on your course, at society taster sessions, or during inductions is usually how connections form. Familiar faces quickly become friends.
What if I feel anxious or overwhelmed during Freshers?
This is very common. Freshers Week involves lots of new people, noise, and change in a short time.
It is okay to take breaks, skip events, or have quiet time. Settling in is not a race, and many students feel more comfortable after the first couple of weeks.
Is it bad if I do not make friends straight away?
No. Many long term friendships form later, once courses start and routines settle.
Freshers Week is just the beginning. You will meet new people through lectures, seminars, group work, societies, and shared housing.
How much money should I budget for Freshers?
This varies a lot between universities and cities. Many students overspend early on and regret it later.
Setting a simple daily or weekly limit helps. Remember that Freshers events are optional, and there will be free or low cost activities too.
Do I need to join societies during Freshers Week?
You do not need to commit straight away. Freshers is a good time to try tasters and see what you enjoy.
You can usually join or switch societies later in the term once you know what fits your schedule and interests.
What if Freshers Week does not live up to expectations?
This happens to a lot of students. Social media and stories from others can make Freshers seem unrealistically perfect.
Your university experience is shaped over months and years, not one week. If Freshers feels awkward or underwhelming, that does not predict how the rest of uni will go.
Further guidance
Take a look at related guides and resources.