How to Survive Freshers Week
82 Months Ago
Freshers Week is only around the corner so we're guessing you're pretty excited. Well, guess what? We are too! Freshers Week is once in a lifetime – chances are you will never get an experience like this again. So prepare to get involved and keep these tips from people who’ve done it all before in mind…
Get some sleep – You’re going to be up pretty late most nights, but call it a night by
Eat well – You’ll need to replenish your energy levels throughout the week to make sure you can keep going! Try and avoid takeaways or ready meals every night as you’ll soon start to feel even worse. Keep it student simple. The basics are always good – baked beans, toasties, cereal. If you don’t fancy cooking, the Union offers a great selection of homemade meals in our outlets.
Keep well – Be ready for the inevitable Freshers Flu – grab some Berocca, tissues, and some fruit and veg. You’re going to be meeting a lot of people so keep your hands clean!
Stay hydrated – If you are drinking, make sure you stay properly hydrated and drink plenty of water. You can get your caffeine fix in the Student Union; we serve Costa Coffee in Libertys.
Register with a doctor - It’s important to be registered with a GP for medical services in Edinburgh before you need one. The University Health Service is running registration sessions in the Health Centre on Campus during Freshers Week, Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm. Students living on Campus or within Edinburgh city centre can register with the GP and Dental Practice., but if you’re living off Campus, you may choose to register with a GP close your flat. To find your local GP Practice, visit www.nhsinform.co.uk and search for GP Practices in the Services Directory on the homepage.
Drink responsibly and safely – Excessive drinking is bad for your health and you don’t want to be known as THAT fresher who passed out by the loch. Pace yourself. Also, NEVER leave your drinks unattended – drink spiking can happen. Keep an eye on your cup and don’t accept drinks from strangers.
Safe Sex – Don’t start your University life with a baby or an STI! If you do meet that special someone and choose to have sex then make sure you use a condom. Also, don’t feel pressured into doing anything you don’t want to. Consent is key. If you’re both really drunk it might not be the right time and place if you can’t be totally certain. The Advice Hub offers the C
Keep on Security and your housekeepers’ good side – You have to live with them for the whole year so don’t get off on the wrong foot. If you have loud late-night parties; you’ll be sure to get a visit from security. Keep on the good side of your housekeeper as well by tidying up after any parties in your lounge/kitchen as soon as possible – they aren’t there to do it for you. If you leave it you’ll get your housekeeper knocking on your door in the morning and waking up your hungover head.
Make sure you can get home – Whether you live in town or in halls, make sure you have some taxi numbers stored on your phone:
Central Taxis - 0131 229 2468
City Cabs – 0131 228 1211
ComCabs - 0131 272 8001
Fare Deal Taxis - 01896 757677 (Galashiels)
Five Star Taxis - 01896 756789 (Galashiels)
In Edinburgh, there is also a night bus (N25/N34) service operated by Lothian Buses to campus. Uber and Gett are also available in Edinburgh and can be linked to a credit or debit card. This is a handy option if you find yourself with no cash at the end of the night. Store your new flatmates’ numbers so you can arrange to meet up at the end of the night. Make sure you know exactly where your halls of residence
Attend all the induction and enrolment sessions – It’s easy enough to forget about these with all the excitement of Freshers, but you do need to attend the all-important induction sessions for halls and your course. If you don’t you won’t know what’s going on or who your coursemates are! Also, make sure you have your enrolment completion date clearly marked in your calendar; every student needs to enrol with the University to officially begin their studies. You’ll also get your shiny new student ID card there. We’d suggest uploading your student ID picture in advance as part of your online enrolment (you'll get sent info on how to do this later) - it saves you having to have a hungover mugshot!
Last but not least: Stay informed on what’s happening. Make use of the wall planner you’ll receive at the start of Freshers which will have a full list of events taking place across campus during the week. Keep your eyes peeled for the Freshers Pass logo that will highlight which events come free with the pass!
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