Safi Strand provides an insight into what new Exeter Students should expect when they arrive for Freshers’ Week and gives some tips on how to make the most of it.
It’s day one. You’ve got a car-load of stuff you don’t need and can’t fit in your room, all your coolest clothes, and pre-rehearsed jokes in case somebody expects a line of conversation other than your hometown, gap yahr or impressive A Level combination. Now there are only two things left to do: have the week of your life and come down with Freshers’ Flu. Let’s get started.
Photo Credit: peretzp via Compfight cc
As lovely as I’m sure it is, spend as little time as possible in your new room. You don’t want to miss out on all your new flatmates cheating at Never Have I Ever for an excuse to down Sainsbury’s Basics vodka, nor do you want to be the Ghost in Room 3 who could be a boy, girl or alien for all anyone has seen of you. Freshers’ week is not a time for solitude, and friends aren’t hard to find in a city of teenage strangers. Whatever your budget or tolerance level for flashing lights, repetitive music and awful smells, there’s no excuse not to spend at least a quarter of your time in Arena (or in the queue for Arena, where you will form all your greatest friendships). Never leave a club before it closes.
Now when it comes to Freshers’ Fair and you’ve had your fill of free pens and chocolate, it’s time to join every society you can think of. Sure, once or twice you’ll pay £20 to join a society because they promised you a t-shirt and they seemed like alright people before never going to a single social, but a month eating only pasta is a small price to pay for all your new best friends. Oh, and make sure you pick up the Domino’s vouchers for when you’re finally sick of pasta.
When you’re sitting in a lecture on the next Monday morning with an awful cold, some unidentified injuries and a rather bruised bank balance, you might be tempted to regret your week of excesses, but I can promise you your suffering is worth it. They may not be friends for life and the Facebook photos are probably pretty unflattering, but let’s face it – the memories you’ve managed to hold onto for the week will be with you for a very long time, and some small comfort when you’re waist-deep in essays. Good luck!
Safi Strand
Was your Freshers’ Week a success and what was your secret? Are there any memories that you care to share with us? Leave a comment below or write to the Comment team at the Exeposé Comment Facebook Group or on Twitter @CommentExepose.
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