Heading off for your first year at University?
This is often the first time, you have been away from home for any length of time. Freshers’ Week can be very daunting however, with so much to look forward to it is also very exciting.
It’s worth remembering that all Fresher Students are in the same boat – it’s their first time at this University too, so if you don’t know anyone – be friendly and helpful and try to be confident as this will help you make friends quickly. Aside from school, most long term friendships and even relationships start at University.
Use the week wisely to find your way around campus. Discover what else goes on in your department and remember where your main lecture halls are located. Begin filling in your academic diary with your rota and collect campus maps and useful information sheets from main reception.
Ensure that your personal property is always safe i.e. laptops IPad’s, gaming stations etc. should always be put away out of sight. Ensure that all windows on lower floors are shut and doors are locked when leaving your accommodation. Arrange insurance or ask your parents to check their household insurance as it may cover such items.
Meetings with your tutors and lecturers are important, be sure to attend. First impressions last – so get a full 8 hours’ kip in before these meetings – a hang over and bedhead is not a great look!
Register with a local Doctor and Dentist and explore the extracurricular clubs or join the gym to keep those pangs of homesickness away.
If you are in Halls of Residence, then you have probably packed some snacks, but take a good look around campus and find the bars, shops and restaurants. You will need energy food, especially if you are going to burn the candle at both ends during Freshers’ busy social calendar!
On campus, you will have your student pass but this won’t be good enough as proof of age if you are enjoying a night out on the town. My ID card is widely accepted in bars, clubs and restaurants. Accredited to the PASS Proof of age scheme, it is nationally recognised and supported by the Home Office, The National Police Chief Council and the Security Industry Authority. Assurance to Landlords and club owners that you are old enough to buy alcohol.
With so many products with age restrictions for example, your emergency first aid kit – Ibuprofen or Paracetamol and of course re-hydration products, MY ID Card is the safest choice for the chemist, supermarket, petrol station, local pub and just about anywhere requiring a Photo ID to prove your age.
Of course, money is going to be tight so you will want to save a penny or two wherever possible. If you lost your Passport or Driving Licence on a night out, you will have to stump up £86.00 to replace it with up to a three weeks for it to arrive.
My ID Card from just £15.00, is a much cheaper option with delivery usually within five working days. Furthermore, you will receive 12 months’ membership to My ID rewards, enabling you to buy shopping cards with discounts from 3% to 15% across the leading supermarkets and many top named high street stores.
Most of the cards are re-loadable too – How great would it be if Mum could load credit onto your supermarket card so you don’t go hungry or even worse… thirsty!
It is not compulsory to drink yourself under the table every night, after all it’s not one big party, you chose University so that you could broaden your academic knowledge and gain those all-important qualifications for your chosen career path. Don’t waste this fantastic opportunity but do make sure you have lots of fun along the way. Freshers’ Week only happens once – ENJOY!
