From social events to budgeting: ‘My survival guide for university freshers week’ 

I’m here to tell you that the best and only tactic to ensure it goes smoothly is to come prepared. 

Leaving the comfort of your own home and going to university can be a nerve-racking experience at first, but believe me, it turns out to be a walk in the park.

I was in the same position four years ago as I studied Multimedia Journalism and MSc Sport Management at Bournemouth University for four years. 

Reporter Berk's first day at university halls (Image: Newsquest)

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If you are feeling nervous, I found that speaking to other people such as friends and family was important as it definitely calmed me down.

I was lucky enough to know students from my previous school in the year above me who also went to university, so speak to your older peers if you can.

Before even stepping foot on campus, I wanted to get to know who my flatmates and course mates were. 

Reporter Berk's university halls in first year (Image: Newsquest)

I was eager to meet everyone and start so I joined all the university Facebook groups that were available.   

This was very important as it was nice getting to know people who were in the same position as me. 

As I started preparing for freshers week, I asked my flatmates which events and wristbands they booked, as I knew I would be spending most of the week with them.  

I spent around £100 on events before even stepping into Bournemouth but don’t let the price put you off as it was great going out with new people.

I remember the first day of unpacking and preparing for my course was exciting as it was a new chapter in my life.  

Reporter Berk's room in first year of university (Image: Newsquest)

But then I came to the realisation that I spent most of the day alone and focused on unpacking without meeting anyone in person.  

As much as you all want to set things up in your own bedrooms, it’s important to meet and get to know each other. 

I would suggest you keep your bedroom door open and say hi as people walk through the corridor.

My top tip would be to help each other unpack. 

You might be hungover from all the partying in your first few days but please don’t miss out on your induction sessions for your courses, as you’ll be spending this day getting a timetable and you definitely don’t want to make a bad impression on the first day.  

Luckily for me, my hangover wasn’t too bad on the first day, so I got to university nice and early and met with my course mates and lecturers. 

If I was to do the whole experience over again and change one thing, I’d probably give myself some time to rest from nights out.

I shouldn’t admit it, but I did go out nearly every day in my first year… and it was all part of the best years of my life.

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