Four students walk through the Dumfries Campus

Freshers’ Week/ Welcome Week is one of the most exciting times of your university journey. It’s a whirlwind of social events, new experiences, and the perfect opportunity to make friends and settle into your new environment. However, a bit of preparation goes a long way to make the most of it. Here’s how you can get ready for Freshers’ Week before you even step foot on campus.

Get to know your university. 

The first thing to note is that here at Glasgow, we have freshers week and welcome week! They happen at the same time but are different! 

  • Fresher weeks are what we may all associate with the university. The student unions usually organise this (we have 2 - Glasgow University Union, or GUU for short, and the Queen Margaret Union - QMU). Each union holds various events, from live music to themed nights and challenges throughout! A cost is associated with these events, and a freshers band is usually necessary for their significant events! These events commonly happen during the evening/late night. 
  • Welcome week events usually happen during the day and are run through the SRC! Lots of societies get involved and hold events throughout this week, so make sure to check social media and the Welcome Week events page to see if any of them interest you! 

We have the Welcome Week fair happening on the 17th and 18th of September, where you can see many societies, stalls, food and performances! I’d definitely recommend going along to at least one of the days, even just for an hour!

  • If you’re looking to get into sports, the sports fair is happening on the 15th and 16th. At the fair, you can see lots of sports and groups and try out the taster sessions!

Before Freshers’ Week kicks off, spend some time familiarising yourself with your university. Browse the university’s website, explore campus maps, and look up critical locations like lecture halls, libraries, and student services. The SRC (Student Representative Council) has campus tours running throughout the welcome week that can be booked in advance! These tours show you the main locations on campus, and as student volunteers usually take them, they can show you the key locations or give advice in real time!

Join Online Groups

Many courses will have social media groups or forums for incoming students. Join these groups to connect with fellow freshers, get tips from older students, and stay updated on upcoming Freshers’ Week events. Engaging in these groups before you arrive can help you find people with similar interests and even potential roommates or study buddies.

Plan Your Packing

Packing for university can be overwhelming, but a well-thought-out packing list will help ensure you don’t forget anything important. Start with the essentials—bedding, kitchen supplies, clothing, and toiletries. Don’t forget any personal items that make your new room feel like home, like photos, posters, or your favourite books.

TOP TIP- have a look at some of the themed events that are happening throughout the week and what happened last year, and see if you can get any fancy dress before you go! Colourful shirts and funky glasses never go amiss! Trying to find the right fairy wings is not worth the stress when you realise they’re not on Prime, and the event is tomorrow! Plan ahead and take a few random things!

Budget for Freshers’ Week

Freshers’ Week can be expensive with all the events, parties, and outings. To avoid overspending, set a budget beforehand. Consider what you’ll need to spend money on—event tickets, food, transportation, and maybe some new outfits. It’s easy to get carried away with spending, so having a budget in place will help you manage your finances and avoid unnecessary stress.

Prepare for Socialising

Freshers’ Week is all about meeting new people, so mentally prepare yourself for lots of socialising. Have a few icebreakers or conversation starters ready. A simple “What are you studying?” can go a long way. Try different events that you like the look of, and take advantage of the free taster sessions!

Get Organised

You’ll likely receive much information during Freshers’ Week, from timetables to club sign-ups and event schedules. You can use the SRC app on your phone to bookmark events, and take pictures of everything that interests you with information. Having all your important information in one place will help you stay on top of things and ensure you don’t miss out on anything.

Look into Societies and Clubs

Freshers’ Week is the perfect time to explore your university’s various societies and clubs. Before you arrive, research the clubs that interest you. Whether it’s sports, arts, academic societies, or something more niche, having an idea of what you want to join can make it easier to navigate the Fresher’s Fair and sign up for activities you’ll enjoy. There are 300 societies here at UofG; have a look at some of them!

Prepare for Academic Life

While Freshers’ Week is mostly about socialising, it’s also the start of your academic journey. Make sure you have any required textbooks, course materials, and stationery ready.

TOP TIP: Texts and materials can often be found for FREE using the online library. If it’s not online, try in person! Save yourself some money—those books are expensive! Getting a head start on your academic organisation will make the transition smoother.

Take Care of Any Admin Tasks

There’s usually a fair bit of admin to handle before university begins. Check the move-in dates and procedures if you’re moving into university accommodation. Having these tasks sorted before Freshers’ Week means you can focus on enjoying the events without worrying about paperwork.

Stay Healthy

Freshers’ Week is intense, and it’s easy to burn out if you’re not careful. Start building healthy habits before you arrive—get enough sleep, eat well, and stay hydrated. It’s also a good idea to bring a small first-aid kit, including essentials like painkillers, plasters, and any medications you need. Taking care of your health will ensure you can fully enjoy Freshers’ Week without feeling run down.

TOP TIP- Freshers Flu is no joke! 

Preparing for Freshers’ Week before university starts can make a huge difference in how you experience your first few days on campus. By getting organised, planning your budget, and mentally preparing for all the new experiences, you’ll be in a great position to make the most of this exciting time. Remember, Freshers’ Week is just the beginning—use it as an opportunity to settle in, make new friends, and start your university journey on the right foot.

First published: 12 September 2024

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