Top Tips for Freshers’ Week

Starting university is full of new experiences, from moving away from home, managing your money and meeting new people. Freshers’ Week is your chance to settle in and kickstart your creative journey at uni. Here are our top tips for Freshers’ Week to help you get your year off to a good start! 

Make a budget (and stick to it!)

Managing your money for the first time can be daunting, especially now we're all feeling the pinch. Although it might be tempting, don’t make the mistake of spending your entire student loan in the first few weeks of uni.  

Creating a budget is a great way to stay on top of your finances. It can also help reduce worry or stress in the long run. Luckily there are lots of tips, tricks, hacks and helping hands available to make your money go further. Get started with this simple and straightforward budgeting guide or get further advice from our Student Funding team.

Get involved with events during Freshers’ Week

There will be lots going on when you start university, from live music events to movie nights. View the full line-up and put together a little itinerary. But remember to pace yourself as you’ll have plenty of opportunities to have fun throughout the year. 

Sign up for student clubs and societies

Joining a society can be a great way to try new sports, hobbies and activities outside of your academic studies. Our Students’ Union has over 150 student groups to choose from, so you can try your hand at everything from gig rowing to life drawing. You can also view an A-Z of student groups. Joining a student society is an opportunity to make new friends, meet likeminded people and fuel your interests outside of your studies. 

Head to the Welcome Fair on 21 September and do a little shopping around. Many of the Students’ Union clubs and societies will be there to answer any questions you have and tell you all about themselves.  

Be a good flatmate

Make an effort to get to know your flat mates. Hang out as much as possible in common areas like the kitchen. Offer to help your flatmates unpack, suggest a film night, or head to events together during the Welcome period. 

Decide with your flatmates whether or not you’re going to share any items. Some flats decide to take it in turns to buy essentials like milk, butter, washing up liquid and toilet roll. 

Remember to be respectful by keeping communal areas tidy and keeping late night noise to a minimum. 

Add some homely touches to your room 

Hang up some photos, lay down a rug or crack open a diffuser – whatever it takes to make your new room feel like home. Check out tips from our students on how to make your uni room your own 

Eat well

The first few weeks of university are a whirlwind and healthy eating habits can easily be replaced with takeaway deals and Super Noodles. However, it’s important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet as the food we eat can have a big effect on how we feel.  

It’s a good idea to stock up on fresh veg and cupboard essentials when you first arrive. Planning weekly meals and batch cooking is also a great way to ensure you’re eating well and staying within your budget. 

Cooking with your flatmates and friends is also an opportunity to try new dishes and save money!

Explore the local area 

Explore all Penryn and Falmouth have to offer. Learn how the public transport works, where the best and safest beaches are, and where the shops and other amenities are. Visit our Student Life pages to find out more about living in Cornwall. 

Make time for yourself 

You'll probably be meeting lots of people during the first few days, so it's important that you find time to rest and recharge. 

Create a comfy space in your room where you can enjoy some quiet time and self-care. 

Expect some ups and downs  

Don’t give yourself a hard time if you begin to feel homesick or your social battery starts to drain. Talk to someone, a friend, family member, your mentor, or reach out to Student Support through the Compass. You'll find someone who feels the same way. Or just take some time for yourself when you need it.