Sometimes referred to as Welcome week, freshers week is the first week of the new university academic year. This week is packed with a large variety of social events, freshers fairs, ice - breaking activities and excursions. For first year students, freshers week usually entails a light academic schedule with lectures predominately focused on orienteering new students with their surroundings and key information for the upcoming university year. Nightlife and events plays a big role in freshers week as students break the ice and get to know each other while exploring their new cities offerings.

Usually hosted in your universities students union, the Freshers fair is comprised of a large number of stalls hosted by various university groups, societies, sports steams, university support and welfare groups. It also offers a place where student oriented companies offer students special offers and discounts. Attending your welcome week freshers fair should be high on your priority list of things to do.

Firstly we recommend joining your online University Freshers groups, this is an excellent resource to meet your future course mates and hall mates before arriving at University. It also helps you keep up to date with key university dates and event news.
Before arriving at University also make sure you are up to date with student finance and have a good understanding of when your first student loan is due. If you have any administrative tasks still to complete we recommend doing them as early as possible to avoid any hold ups.
Also make sure you submit your student accommodation application as early as possible. This will give you best chance of landing your favourite student halls. You can find out more information by viewing the accommodation page on your University’s website.

Take a look at your University accommodation pages and make a shortlist of your favourite choices. Once your University place is confirmed you will receive an email from your University asking you to make your choices so it’s always good to be prepared so you can submit your application as soon as possible to give you the best chance of getting a place in your favoured student halls.

For students from the UK, student finance is available via Student Finance England website for English students, Student Finance Scotland for Scottish Students or Student Finance Wales for Welsh students. We recommend keeping your student finance login in a convenient location so you can check your student finance status frequently. More details are available via the gov.uk website.