Freshers’ Week is finally here! A week where all your social boundaries are pushed out of the window, and the word ‘awkward’ is stretched to its limits. But, do not fear, Sophie Lloyd has created her list of ‘WHAT NOT TO DO’S’, a sure-fire way to avoid the inevitable moments of embarrassment, and embrace the many hilarious memories that are yet to come!
1) Do NOT be a hermit
This one is right at the top of the list! Under no circumstances should you not socialise with the rest of the students of Exeter. Yes, freshers’ week is arguably packed full of social discomfort, but honestly the only way to overcome these nerves is by going out there and saying hello. Everyone is in exactly the same boat; offering to make your new housemate a cup of tea or getting ready together before a night out really can start a fantastic friendship! At the end of the day, this is one of the most important reasons for coming to university – to make unforgettable friends!
2) Do not ONLY achieve a degree
Show the world what you are passionate about! Exeter has a society for absolutely every interest, and if you somehow can’t quite find what you’re looking for – make it yourself! One fabulous way to make close friends is by attending every messy Timepiece Wednesday social possible, or even bizarrely sharing a drink from a shoe. Not only are societies great for the social life, they are extremely helpful additions to enhance your CV. Being an Editor of a campus magazine, or Captain of the Tennis Club not only demonstrates your abilities, it shows that you have dreams and ambition outside of your studies!
3) Do not judge
Yes, we’ve all heard the term ‘Exeterah’ but please do not take this to heart. Exeter University still definitely has a diverse range of students from all different backgrounds, and it would be absurd to categorize it! We all worry about first impressions, but judgements can sometimes get a bit clouded by a little competitive spirit. Exeter’s ‘battle of the halls’ is just a bit of fun rivalry! Whether you’re catered or self catered, humanities or science, not one is better than the other, and we’re all here to have a good time. There are some who may get a little carried away but freshers’ week isn’t about encouraging a social divide, its an exciting opportunity to meet completely new people.
4) Don’t forget why you’re here
What can I say? We are at university to achieve some sort of degree. Sure, have a week of madness but do not forget the real reason we are actually here! There is nothing worse than strolling into a seminar in your most fashionable items, and then not knowing what on earth is coming out of your lecturer’s mouth… During your recovery days in bed, instead of watching a whole season of Gossip Girl, use an hour or so to instead do some reading – that way you’ll be looking great and sounding super intelligent. Trust me – there is nothing sexier than that!
5) Do not get to clubs late
Okay, so enough of that. Lets get down to business. Fresher’s week is when every club in Exeter reaches its full capacity by about 11:30. Buying tickets guarantees you entry usually before 11 but unfortunately you can still expect those dreaded queues. Every single night will be packed so the best way to survive this is by getting stamped early. (This is especially true for the Lemmy!) If you’re in halls, use your ‘on-campus’ location to its full potential; walk down early to get a stamp so the rest of the night is yours!
6) Don’t worry!
But. Most important of all- do not worry! You have dreamt about this week for so long now, and the best advice that I can give you, is expect the unexpected. My own freshers’ week was a complete roller-coaster of emotions, teamed with blurred memories of messy nights. I may now regret a few fashion faux pas, and a few other choices to say the least, but in the end, as I uncomfortably rush through my humiliating tagged photos from two years ago, I find an overwhelming comfort in the fact that I made the best decision of my life by coming to university. Freshers’ Week was only a small part of it.
Sophie Lloyd
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