Navigating Freshers – Advice from our Young People’s Service
Excited to be starting university? Fresher’s is around the corner and it can be a whirlwind of new faces, places and experiences of making new friends, exploring your campus and becoming more independent.
It can be exciting but also feel a bit overwhelming. So much goes on, from social events to university fairs, it is easy to get caught up in moment. If you’re worried about making friends or managing your money, we’ve asked our Young People’s Service what advice they can give to stay safe, avoid risky situations and knowing where to turn if you need support.
Socialising safely
While meeting new people is a big part of Freshers, it’s important to do so safely.
- Have a trusted circle of friends when you go out
- Have a plan to get home safely
- Share your location (Find my friends, WhatsApp Location, Live 360 app) to someone you trust either a family or friend from home
- Trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe
- It’s okay to say no to social events if you don’t feel comfortable
Managing your money
We have a budget tracker to help you keep track of your money and have a better understanding of how much you’re spending. Some additional tips:
- Set a weekly/monthly budget for essentials, bills and socialising
- Look out for student discounts and deals (Student Beans, Unidays)
- Be cautious with credit cards and over drafts, make sure to look at the APR charges on the cards and you can make the repayments long term
- Look for free and low-cost activities to enjoy
- If you are worried about your finances, call our helpline on 0808 8020 133 and ask for a referral to the Money Guidance Service
Recognising the risks
There can always be potential risks that comes with Freshers.
- Be aware of the peer pressure
- You can say no
- Be cautious about sharing personal information with new acquaintances
- It’s important to know the risks that comes with gambling and online betting
Building a support network
With the time of change and new experiences, it’s important to have a support network around you.
- Get to know your flat mates and people on your course
- University’s have support services available and student unions to provide advice
- Reach out to us at BigDeal if you are looking for support and advice concerning gambling related harm
Self-care during Freshers
Taking time yourself is essential especially during the time of a big change.
- It’s okay to take breaks from socialising
- Try to have a regular sleep schedule
- Make time for exercise, relaxation or to enjoy your hobbies
- Practice mindfulness or meditation to manage stress
- If you are finding yourself struggling, speak to a family or friend. There are student support services available at your university
It’s important to remember that everyone’s Freshers’ experiences are different.
If you are not partying or trying to have the ‘Freshers experience‘, that’s perfectly normal too. Focus on settling in at your own pace and don’t be afraid to seek support if you need it. There are loads of university resources available to help you start this exciting new chapter in your life.