Freshers' week and societies: what to expect and how to choose

The first week of university is loud, busy and full of choices. Knowing what actually happens, and having a simple plan for societies, helps you enjoy it without burning out or missing the things that matter.

What freshers' or welcome week is

• UCAS describes welcome week as a week of activities that universities and colleges put on at the start of term so new students can get to know the place, meet people and get their bearings.
• What happens varies by university and location: tours, themed meet-ups and outdoor activities such as kayaking are all examples UCAS gives.
• The University of Lancashire points out that your academic timetable is usually light in the first week, so it is a good time to explore campus, join the library and learn the local transport, shops and supermarkets.
• Use the week for admin too: register as a student and, in the UK, register with a local GP. The Managing Your Own Health lessons explain how.
• Universities outside the UK, including in the UAE, US and Australia, run their own orientation programmes under different names. Check your university's student life or orientation page for the exact schedule.

The freshers' fair

• If you only go to one event, the University of Lancashire suggests it should be the freshers' fair, where you will find student societies, local employers, service providers and volunteering groups.
• UCAS says the fair usually includes Students' Union representatives, support services and societies, and there is often free food and freebies such as tote bags and pens.
• Before you go, look at the Students' Union website and shortlist five to eight societies so you are not overwhelmed by hundreds of stalls.
• At each stall you like, ask three questions: 'When is the first session?', 'Do I need any experience or kit?' and 'Is there a membership fee?'
• Sign up to mailing lists or group chats freely, but you can mute or leave the ones you do not follow up later.

Choosing societies: try three, commit to one

• UCAS recommends picking no more than three societies to try, and committing to at least one.
• Lancaster Students' Union advises going to free taster sessions first, so you can see what a society involves before you pay.
• Most societies charge a membership fee; Lancaster SU notes this money usually goes back into the society as socials and equipment, and fees tend to be higher where specialist coaching or venues are needed.
• A good mix is one society linked to something you already love (a sport, a language, a faith or cultural society), one completely new interest, and one linked to your course or future career.
• Commitment is what builds friendships: going to the same weekly session for a term matters more than being a member of ten groups you never attend.

If you miss it or change your mind

• You can join societies later. Lancaster SU says that if you miss the freshers' fair, you can message a society on social media to ask when you can come to a session.
• Many universities also hold a refreshers' fair in the second term; the University of Surrey, for example, holds its Freshers Fair in September and its Refreshers Fair in February.
• If a society is not right for you after a few sessions, it is fine to stop going and try another.
• Later on, consider a committee role. A Lancaster SU blogger who joined a society's exec team says a commitment like this fleshes out the university experience; roles such as social secretary or treasurer are also good CV material.

Pace yourself

• The University of Lancashire reminds students that just because there are events every night does not mean you should attend them all.
• UCAS warns that the week is intense and many people catch 'freshers' flu', so build in time to rest and decompress.
• UCAS is clear that there is no pressure to meet your best friend in week one; friendships form over the whole first term and beyond.
• A simple rule: aim for one social thing and one practical thing each day, plus a proper night's sleep.