Brand New Images via Getty Images
With the beginning of university no longer so far away, it is likely that some nerves, questions and concerns have begun surfacing in your mind.
One thing that many students are often nervous about is Fresher's Week. This is the jam-packed week before your lectures begin where you settle in to your new life and meet some of the people you'll be spending the next 3 years with.
To quell some of those worries and put your mind at ease, we have compiled a list of '9 Things To Know Before Fresher's Week', to give you some tips and advice and prepare you for your first week of university.
9 Thing To Know About Before Fresher's
You Don't Need All Those Textbooks(01 of09)
In the weeks leading up to starting university you are likely to be bombarded with emails, informing you that is is necessary to have this and that in time for your course. Don't rush into buying masses of textbooks and spending hundreds of pounds on books that appear on the course reading list. Remember that every university has a fully stocked library and it is likely that you will be able to borrow some of the textbooks from there. Similarly, students from 2nd and 3rd years may be selling their old ones second-hand. Wait until you start university, as then you'll be able to work out what you really need. (credit:Olegk1986 via Getty Images)
You Might Not Like Your Flatmates(02 of09)
It is often implied that everyone gets along with their flatmates, but the reality is that this is often not the case. Although lots of people are lucky enough to really like their flatmates, others find that they have very little in common and struggle to form a friendship. If this happens to you, don't worry. Your course, societies and other activities will give you plenty of opportunities to find friends and meet people who you enjoy spending time with so do not fret. (credit:simonkr via Getty Images)
It Might Take A While To Find Your 'Group'(03 of09)
University is full of people from all sorts of walks of life and it may take a while to work out where you fit in and find your friend group. In Fresher's Week you are likely to exchange numbers and make plans with loads of people- some who you may never see again and others who might become your best friends. Be patient and don't worry if you take a while to settle in and find your place. Although it might not seem like it, everyone else is going through the same thing and it will all work out ok. (credit:Tom Merton via Getty Images)
You Don't Have To Go Out Every Night(04 of09)
Fresher's Week is often accompanied by stories of crazy nights out, drinking games and drunken antics. Although this is undoubtably a part of the 'Fresher' experience, it is important to realise that it's fine if that's not really your scene. No one will think any less of you for deciding that 4 nights out in a row is enough and you want an early night, or that you want to go to a society meeting instead of exploring the newest club with your flatmates. Fresher's Week is whatever you want it to be, so don't feel pressured into doing things that you don't feel comfortable with. (credit:Brand New Images via Getty Images)
It's Ok Not To Drink(05 of09)
Just like it's ok to miss a night out, it's also ok not to drink. Although universities do have a large drinking culture, you should feel no pressure to drink alcohol if you don't want to. Getting extremely drunk may seem like a good idea at the time, but in a new city with people you have only known for a couple of days, it puts you in a vulnerable position. If you choose not to drink and people begin peer-pressuring you into it, resist. Universities are big places, so go and find people to hang around with who respect your decisions as they're more likely to be the people who end up being your friends. (credit:Chris Mellor via Getty Images)
It's The Easiest Time To Join Societies And Make Friends(06 of09)
Although talking to committee members and joining societies may seem daunting, Fresher's Week is the best time to do it. Everyone else is new and in the same position as you and societies will be looking to recruit new members. If you wait until after Fresher's Week it will be a lot harder to integrate yourself as societies may have already had Welcome Talks and people will be beginning to establish their friend groups. Don't miss out and have to wait another year just because you didn't want to go and ask about something on your own, just go for it. (credit:Stewart Cohen via Getty Images)
Skipping Introductory Lectures Is A Bad Idea(07 of09)
In Fresher's Week you may have a couple of lectures for each module in which the lecturers will introduce themselves and tell you what to expect for the rest of the term. Do not miss these! Drag yourself away from all the fun you are having and get yourself to the lecture theatre. You don't want to risk missing out on useful information that you will need later in the year. (credit:Wavebreakmedia Ltd via Getty Images)
It's Not Too Late To Change Your Mind(08 of09)
If you find yourself in your first lectures with no interest in what you are studying then it is likely that you have chosen the wrong course or modules. The earlier you realise this the better as you can go to your subject office and discuss changing your modules and course. The longer you wait, the more you will miss so if you realise you've made the wrong decision then go and see what options are available to you. You don't want to spend the next 3 years studying something that you have no interest in. (credit:skynesher via Getty Images)
Make Sure To Be Yourself!(09 of09)
This might sound cheesy but it really is one of the most important things to bear in mind for Fresher's Week. You will be spending the next three years at university and it's hard to pretend to be someone you're not for that long. Be yourself and you are likely to graduate from university with friends for life. (credit:lorenzoantonucci via Getty Images)