The first seven days of uni come laced with nerves and excitement; it can seem an odd mix when the car pulls up, bursting with bedding and fairy lights. But remember that thousands of students feel exactly the same; the toughest thing to do is arrive with as little expectation as possible. If you’ve got no idea what to expect be reassured because, whatever happens, you won’t be disappointed.
This is how I came to Bristol: without a clue how I’d find it. Arriving is daunting, you meet lots of new faces and if you remember even three people’s names that’s a victory! What struck me was how relaxed and friendly everyone was – from my second-year tour guide to my brand-new flatmates – everyone was ready with a smile. The first night was rife with name-swapping, ice-breakers and inane chatter. As conversation relaxed I saw I’d had nothing to worry about. When you allow yourself to become enveloped in nerves it’s easy to forget people aren’t horrible, hostile humans who don’t want to be your friend. In fact, I still haven’t encountered anyone like that and it makes you realise that nerves are a product of our irrational fear of not finding our niche.
Freshers’ week is the perfect time to suss out future friends. From dashing between induction talks, freshers’ fairs and coffee mornings to spending evenings at roller discos, throwing shapes on the dance floor or watching Great British Bake Off; there was barely a moment to sit down (although I did spend hours lounging around the kitchen drinking tea with flatmates!). If I had to offer three top tips for ‘freshlings’ they’d be:
- DO EVERYTHING (you cannot sign up for enough societies, believe me!);
- smile at everyone (there’s no point discriminating in who you’re friendly to: in freshers’ week everyone’s your bestie);
- and have fun.
You’ll get as much out as you put in, so let yourself enjoy it and you’ll sail through with a bout of freshers’ flu, a bunch of new friends and a smile on your face!
– Harriet
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