First year undergraduate students would not be remotely out of line to call Freshers’ Week a great source of trepidation. Freshers’ Week occurs at the tail end of Summer when students hesitantly welcome a new season of their lives with lofty aspirations, an unforgiving budget, and a foreign environment. The dichotomy between being taught never to talk to strangers to now living with them, making as many friends as possible even though Covid recently restricted you to only having six at once; being mindful with your money whilst going out every night; going out every night but keeping on top of your readings. Sounds like one of Boris’ speeches, does it not? Like the university is already playing mental gymnastics with you, warming you up for the years ahead. But Freshers’ Week does not define your university experience. Through a volume of personal experiences and sound advice from our committee and team, this article will enhance your Freshers’ experience.
Financing for Freshers
Permit me to say something Gen X would quiver at: it is possible to indulge in avocado toast and have enough money left for rent. Whilst self-discipline is honourable, restriction can be detrimental to your mental and physical health, especially in Freshers’ conditions. You will be exposed to a lot of opportunities to meet new people, which often comes at a price, but this does not mean you have to feast like Henry VIII or drink like there aren’t 4 years ahead of you where getting drunk on a Tuesday is acceptable (if not commended). It’s best to take things in moderation – it’s a cliché for a reason.
For food – make a meal plan as it helps guide your shopping and usually lowers your cost and go to Lidl. Also, don’t spend all your money early on and work out how much money you can spend a week by adding up all the money you will have then divide by how many weeks from September to the beginning of Summer (you’ll need the extra money over the holidays). Don’t buy loads of Freshers’ tickets; one or two is enough and can always be bought on the day – Rachel Jones, English Literature, 2nd year
Don’t buy fresher’s wristbands until you are certain you are going. Only buy your own drinks, don’t buy anyone else’s. Meal Plan. – Alix Zara Arnold, Geography Social Policy, 2nd year
Invest in experiences and making memories rather than items - Grace Groombridge, Psychology, 3rd year
Shop in Lidl. And make a spreadsheet (I only started doing this last year, but it helped whenever I was getting anxious about money) - Ffion Williams, Painting BA, 4th year
Learn from our Mistakes
A minority of students have had a sheltered upbringing, making the concept of going to university for anything other than studying a foreign concept. This can be daunting, especially for the sober ones. It is worth noting that there are day-time events for such people, events that can be accessed through the Edinburgh Events app, the University of Edinburgh website or the Freshers’ Fair. Likewise, you can join group chats related to your course or society, where you can meet like minded people in neutral environments. If this is your first-time clubbing, it is ideal you go with people you know and trust; allow yourself time if you are to try something new so that you can adapt without the pressure.
Grateful that I Cooked proper meals. I wish I knew that most people are also struggling regardless of how confident people might seem – tell people you’re finding things hard if you are, it might bring you both comfort – Grace Groombridge, Psychology, 3rd year
Grateful that I went to the watch Bake off in my halls common room – There were at least 20 people on the sofa and floor, and I made more friends there than I did on any night out. It was also so comforting as before university I would always watch bake off with my mum. I wish I knew that you don’t have to do everything! I think I spent the first half of freshers trying to go to as much stuff as possible and the second half of it recovering from it and feeling guilty about staying in. There so many opportunities at university to go out, make friends join societies – you don’t have to do it all in the first week! The best nights were often just spent with my flatmates anyway – Ffion Williams, Painting BA, 4th year
The Social Factor
Consensus has it that Freshers requires a full social battery. Considering upbringing and personality type, this can prove difficult for many. If you identify with this, please practice a lot of self-love during this period – there is no company as fulfilling as your own. This does not mean you need to isolate yourself, but it does open opportunities for you to go to daytime events alone (making friends there) or explore the city and claim your favourite reading spots. Above all, it enables you to pick and choose when you enter and leave an environment, thus sustaining your social battery. By the same token, someone’s free time is not an indicator of their availability. There may be recovery periods, reading requirements and other circumstances you are not aware of. Try not take these things personally as you’re all entering adulthood, which can look different on everyone.
Daytime Freshers’ events and group bars are where I made my friends - Alix Zara Arnold, Geography Social Policy, 2nd year
I met people most from my flat/ accommodation. A side comment is don’t isolate yourself to the first people you meet because it’s likely the people who you first meet, while may seem like the people, aren’t the group you fit in best with - Rachel Jones, English Literature, 2nd year
Give everyone you meet a fair chance and look after yourself - Grace Groombridge, Psychology, 3rd year
Sometimes it takes longer to find your 'people', but you will find them. There are lots of ways to meet people and there is no right way to do it so don't put too much pressure on yourself. Also, not everyone is part of a huge group of friends - they are just the loudest people - Ffion Williams, Painting BA, 4th year
How Did Joining a Society like The Noisy Movement Help?
Societies were the part of University I can shamelessly admit I was most excited for. I was searching for my society prior to being accepted by University of Edinburgh, and seeing The Noisy Movement made me want that offer even more. If there was any turbulence in my first year, it was overcome by my sense of belonging in this society.
It gave me a sense of purpose and a group of friends who I instantly had something in common with which was particularly valuable as I was in first year during Covid, so it had been harder to meet people and gain friends - Grace Groombridge, Psychology, 3rd year
I didn't join TNM until my 3rd year of uni so I wouldn't say it helped my freshers experience, but when i did join when most of my close friends had just gone for gap years so I found myself having to essentially start again. TNM really helped with this, and it gave me something to do that felt important, like a purpose. I also got to meet likeminded people and found activism to be something I'm passionate about. Through TNM I've helped organised protests, organised inclusive, safe club nights and been on the news, it’s been so fulfilling to me, and my confidence has grown so much because of it - Ffion Williams, Painting BA, 4th year
Services Freshers Should Take Advantage of
Street Assist, Urban Angels and Strut Safe - Grace Groombridge, Psychology, 3rd year
Advice Place - if you are worried about money. Free sanitary products - Ffion Williams, Painting BA, 4th year
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