I was really nervous before freshers’ week as I was moving a long way from Southampton, but keen to get stuck in. After Mum and Dad drove three and-a-half hours to get me there, I told them to go almost immediately, as I didn’t want to feel awkward in front of the other housemates. Luckily, I knew three of them from Facebook and we’d already had ice-breaker chats.
I wasn’t looking for anything too structured as I wanted the freedom to do lots of things. And it turned out none of my housemates had booked events before they came either.
On the first night, we stayed in with bottles of wine and by the end of the evening knew every secret about each other. It was like: ‘I’m going to be living with you, so why not?’
Over the next few days, there were lots of talks and group activities where we designed things out of straws and elastic bands – it was very odd. But it was great in terms of getting to know people on my course.
I went to the freshers’ sports and society fair to see all the things on offer. You can choose from the give-it-a-go sessions, and I picked ultimate frisbee. I loved it, but my friend hated it. She wouldn’t go again, so I had to make myself go alone. But they were so friendly, I never felt awkward.
I went to a barbecue organised for the bioengineering group and got tickets for the union. We went to the university bar and out as a group into Sheffield, exploring all the different places in the city. It was fantastic. I was so tired by the end of the week, but felt very positive. It sets you up really well for the first semester as you’ve done all your introductions and you’ve tried out a few things.
Fresher’s week is definitely worth doing, I don’t know why you wouldn’t. Even shy people are fine. No one is judging you. Just put yourself out there and if someone invites you out, join in. We were all lost together.
