Make Freshers' week 2024 one to remember - everything you need to know

The hangovers from hell, the memories of whatever ridiculous bet you and the person from your course made, regardless of what your experience of freshers’ week is, you'll need to know all the tips for staying sane during freshers’ week 2024!

What is freshers’ week?

Freshers’ week is the welcome period for new students starting at university. Although each freshers’ week is different, the goal is always the same: to introduce you to university life, make friends and learn more about where you're studying.

Your freshers’ week could be anything! You could have freshers’ nights at local clubs and pubs, society fairs or even a fairground! The possibilities are endless!

When is freshers’ week?

Freshers’ week is usually in the first week of your first term at uni. It tends to be towards the end of September, though it could be closer to the middle of the month (especially in Scotland, or for unis who run freshers for two weeks rather than one). Check your university timetable for the exact dates - you won’t want to miss out!

What happens in freshers’ week?

Generally, unis have loads of different workshops, taster sessions and general events where you can meet new people and get to know your housemates if you’re living on campus.

It isn’t just the university that makes an effort for freshers’ week. Plenty of the local nightclubs, bars and restaurants in the local area will have freshers events on. There’ll be one or two cheeky discounts to take advantage of too!

Which university has the best freshers’ week?

Every university will give you an amazing welcome! No one does it better or worse, so it will really depend on you and what you like.

You’re the best judge of this! Get involved and have a good time to make your freshers’ week the best.

How much money should I have for freshers’ week?

During freshers, you're in control of how much you spend, so make sure you don't blow your entire term’s maintenance loan in one week - it’s a long time until you get your next one!

Having a budget can really help. Our advice? Put most of your money in a savings account, where you won't accidentally spend it. Check out our student budgeting tips for more advice.

How do I make friends in freshers’ week?

It’s always tough knowing how to make friends. One thing you should always remember is that everyone there is in the same boat as you. No one knows any more than you and everyone is looking for a friend, so don’t be afraid to go and break the ice.

The best advice for making friends? Be yourself. Let your personality shine through and you'll soon find your own little group of people that you gravitate towards!

What if I don’t drink?

Historically, freshers’ week has been a week fuelled by drinking.Who among us hasn’t had student loans fall in the bank account; a new driver’s licence that says you’re 18; with no parents watching? We’re not made of stone!

That being said, you don’t need to worry if you don't like drinking. Best thing you can do is go out for a walk, get a coffee and do some washing while the big events are happening, and you’ll meet like-minded folk. If you don’t mind being around noisy drunks, join your housemates for a night out and stick to lemonade. You’ll still have fun with them, and they’ll all be so grateful when you’re the only one clear-headed enough to work out the bus times home!

While boozing is a big part of freshers’ week culture, universities are starting to come up with new ideas for those who don’t or can’t drink. Unis offer LGBTQ+ organisations, Dungeons and Dragons, extreme frisbee, lacrosse, Quidditch (no, seriously, they do) drama societies, salsa, rock climbing… whatever you’re interested in, sign up, and you’ve got a ready-made posse of people with shared interests right there!

And hey, who knows, you might even get to do a bit of dressing up, which means you'll need some fancy dress ideas to make sure your fresher's week goes down smoothly!