Surviving Freshers Week

Freshers week is essentially a week of events at university that is just before term begins and it's often a jam packed week that older students are familiar with but for a first year it may seem quite daunting. That's why I thought I'd share my tips on how to survive Freshers week so that you can feel more prepared for what's to come. 

1. Take It Easy

Don't go too hard on the drinking. It can be very tempting but remember you'll get to experience being a first year at Fresher's only once and it's not as exciting in the following years. Whether you're drinking or not drinking, you don't want to be the drunk person that people can't control. Remember fresher's is about making first impressions on your flatmates, coursemates and other students so try to be the good kind of fresher that takes it easy and not uncontrollable.

2. Line your stomach

A very crucial element whenever it comes to drinking alcohol and particularly if you're planning on drinking a lot of alcohol. Make sure you line your stomach with a decent meal. Having something to eat before drinking means the food in your stomach will be able to soak up the alcohol and you'll less likely be sick so make sure to line your stomach before you start drinking the night away. 

3. Get your groceries

This is a really important element and one to do before you arrive or on the first day and that is to make sure you have your groceries in. The last thing you want to be worrying about is not having food when you're hungover so it's best to do it as early as you can. I did it just before I arrived at my university so that I didn't have to worry about figuring out where the nearest supermarket is and had more time to unpack and meet new people. Plus if you have your groceries in it means you'll be able to line your stomach ready for the fresher nights. 

4. Prepare for the hangovers

One downside to drinking a lot for a week is the hangovers. That's why it's really important to have the essentials like pain killers and plenty of drinking water. Prepare yourself a little hangover kit so that when the hangover does hit in the morning then you are prepared. 

5. You don't have to drink if you don't want to

A lot of people think during Freshers, you have to drink alcohol and that's not necessarily the case. Of course a lot of people do drink during Freshers but there are some people who aren't big drinkers and that's okay. You can drink soft drinks or do what I used to do and pretend there was alcohol in a drink when in reality it was just coke or water. Either way you can still have a good time during Freshers. You can still go out with people, explain you're not a big drinker and maybe some people will join you in not drinking and instead just have a good time with you without the alcohol. Plus you may meet people who aren't drinkers too and you can relate to one another. The main thing is don't let people pressure you into drinking if you don't want to because nobody should be forced to do anything they don't want to do. I know it can be a real struggle if you're not a big drinker but you'll find your people who accept you for who you are. 

6. Drink plenty of water

Another crucial element of any night out is drinking water. It's a great way to keep hydrated but also sober you up a little if the alcohol is getting to you. Don't be ashamed to order a glass of water at the bar. It's free after all and remember it could have a lot of benefits for you. Especially as a way to keep you hydrated. I used to have water and pretend it was vodka and lemonade if anyone asked. It wasn't like I was going to share my drink with another so they would never know. I highly recommend drinking some water during a night out as it will definitely keep you hydrated and make you feel a little better when you're drunk. 

7. It's okay to call it night

This is another thing that some people don't know whether it's okay to do but honestly it's okay. Some people like to stay out all night until the club closes but sometimes you just want to call it a night and get into bed with a kebab. If you've had another for the night then call it a night. Sometimes your friend group might be grateful that you are calling it a night because they also want to call it a night. You don't have to stay out if you don't want to and don't feel ashamed if you do want to go back to your room. It's perfectly normal and especially with Freshers, the days can feel very long so I wouldn't blame you if you want to go to sleep earlier than everyone else. The choice is always yours so if you want to call it a night then just do it and you'll thank yourself in the morning. 

8. Don't get blackout drunk

This is really important because remember you're in a new city/town and you're with people you barely know. It's really important to make sure you don't get so drunk that you are no longer aware of anything you're doing because you don't know if the people you're with will even look after you. You'd like to think so but you never fully know. When you're blackout drunk then you are vulnerable to anything as your senses and even your body are completely messed up. It's so important to know your limit and try not to overdo it with the drinking. Make sure you drink plenty of water if you feel you're getting close to blackout drunk and line your stomach with food so you have things to soak the alcohol. It's really important especially during freshers week to not get so blackout drunk you have no idea what is even going on anymore. 

9. Be aware of your surroundings

This is another really important tip when you're enjoying Fresher's and that's to be aware of your surroundings. It's important you know how to get back to your accommodation from the union as the last thing you want to be is lost and end up at the wrong building. It's also important to be aware of what's going on around you because there are sadly a lot of weirdos around who prey on drunk people as they think they won't notice. This can lead to drinks being spiked or getting mugged or even getting unwanted attention. Make sure to always be aware of your surroundings and always keep an eye on your drink. Don't leave it unattended for a second because honestly you never really know and your safety is really important as you are in an unfamiliar place with people you've only just met. It's good to know what's going on around you and another good reason why you shouldn't get blackout drunk. 

10. Be true to yourself

This again is an important part of experiencing freshers week and that is to be true to yourself. It will make your freshers experience easier as you're just being yourself. If you want to drink then drink, if you don't then don't. You will find your people during Freshers week and if you're your wonderful self then you should be fine. The main thing is to just enjoy yourself and have fun. 

Anyway, those are my top ten tips on surviving freshers week. Let me know if you have any other tips on how to survive Freshers week and maybe we can help all the new first years out. 

That's all I have to say for now. Thank you for reading my blog and I'll be back again soon with another post.

See you then. 

Megan x 

*This is not a sponsored post* 

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