Wednesday 17-08-2016 - 23:58

Summer holidays are disappearing fast so it’s time to get that old noggin into shape for all the fun of freshers. Here are some of my top tips for leaving the comforts of home and heading out into the big wide world (don’t worry its totally not that scary). Hopefully these tips will help you with freshers week and beyond.

Before you arrive 

• First off you’ll have to go and kit yourself out. That’s right you get to spend some of mammy and daddy’s money (Or your own, either way). Pots, pans, towels the works! I know it is tempting to just take all these things from home but I’m sure family members will notice when they can’t make their signature lasagna because you’ve smuggled the dish to Uni. So follow the link and find out exactly what you need to bring with you here   
   
• Who wants a normal bank account, not a student! Make sure you shop around when making your choice and see what the banks can offer you. Just be aware that freebies do not always mean it’s the best deal so make sure you pick the one that’s the best option financially for you
• Social media? Of course! We’re not living in the dark ages! Follow the university and Students’ Union on Facebook and Twitter as follows.     Students’ union Facebook & Twitter Glyndwr university’s Facebook & Twitter

Arriving 

• Get up from that sofa, pack your stuff away in the car or load it onto the train and get ready to leave home! Moving in early, well as early as allowed anyway is possibly the best thing you can do! You’ll probably want to make as many new friends as physically possible so arriving early is key!
   
• Be a social butterfly. No, I don’t mean wrap yourself in a duvet cocoon and hope for the best (however comfy) get yourself out there! Hear people having a laugh in the lounge? Introduce yourself! A group of people going to the pub? Join them! Whatever is going on around campus join in and you won’t regret it 
   
• Start to unpack your things from the get go. Nothing worse than still living out of a suitcase 3 weeks after arriving (I know from personal experience)
   
• Make your room as comfortable as possible, if home sickness rears its ugly head, and it probably will you’re going to want somewhere comfortable to retreat 
   
• With that in mind make use of the support around you. There are peer support students who live in halls and have ‘been there and done that,’ there will be Freshers Reps around for the majority of the first 3 weeks to help and support you and don’t forget about your SU! 
   
• Buy a NUS Extra card. Just think of those all important savings you can get, plus they come in handy when you’re on a budget 
   
• Get involved with our sports and societies! This is a great way to meet likeminded people and stay active   
   
• Bring every fancy dress item you own with you, I can promise you’ll need them at some point 
   
• Don’t invest too much into ‘pre-drinks’ or otherwise you run the risk of not making it out. That way the only friends you’re likely to make is your toilet and bathroom floor ☹
   
• Try not to blow your student loan all at once during Freshers that stuffs got to last you until January! 
   
• Make sure you eat a decent meal before a night on the pop. Remember your surroundings are unfamiliar and it’s easy to get disorientated when drunk 
   
• People tend to ‘experiment’ at Uni, but are you sure you know what you’re getting yourself into? If you have any doubts, steer clear and don’t feel pressured into anything.    

So there you have it! My top tips for Freshers'. If you have any other tips, let me know!