Going to university, college, or taking a gap year before higher education is often the first taste of independence for many of us. You had your moments of self doubt but now your A Levels are just a hazy memory and your days at Uni beckon.
By now you'll have digested all the information you were sent about your new course and university. The guides written by current students who know the ins and outs of student life will have been especially useful and have given you an insider's view of university life.
How to Survive Freshers' Week
The first week of Uni is the highlight of the year for many: it can be non-stop partying, meeting new people, and experiencing new things if you do it right! It's hectic and involves the chance to join the many clubs and societies within the university. It also usually offers any of a range of events from live concerts to a formal ball. Freshers' week is organised by the local university student union so check out what's planned. Most universities and student unions now have websites so check them for up-to-date information. And you won't be able to miss the posters plastered all around the campus announcing events. Also, word of mouth tends to be the next best thing. But make sure you keep your Freshers' week ID card with you - you will have been given this when you enrolled and without it you won't get into events however hard you plead or bribe. Look out for a 'Freshers Fair'. This is a gathering of the clubs and societies of the university.
Often held in the student union building, the fair gives you the chance to meet and join political groups, music groups, football teams or debating societies. If you're a student from abroad there may also be an International Student group. At some fairs you may find local companies promoting their business. This might include banks, travel agents and taxi firms. It's worthwhile getting hold of taxi firm business cards for when you need the late cab home.
Getting around
Once you start at university you'll need to plan how you get around. The options will depend on where you live and how close to university and the town centre you are and where else you want to get to. You'll also need to plan how much you want to spend on transport.
Walking - Don't forget the cheapest and healthiest option - walking! If you end up living near the campus, or in a small town where the university is centrally placed, you probably can get everywhere you need on foot.
Bicycle - Some university towns try hard to provide the facilities cyclists need, such as plenty of places to secure bikes and bus lanes. If you haven't brought one with you and decide you need to buy a bike, decide what you want to spend. A new bike can bite a big chunk in your budget so buying a second hand bike can be a good option. Look out in the classified sections of the local papers or the Yellow Free-ads, or on noticeboards.
For safety you should also buy a cycle helmet (though it's not compulsory to wear one) lights and reflective strips for your clothes or bag. September and early October will soon pass so be prepared for the darker nights. You can usually buy good quality items for less than £75 for the lot. You'll also need a cycle lock. Theft of cycles can be a serious problem. The best types of lock can cost more than £30 and are usually made from heavy duty cable. It's worth investing in a good lock if your bike is expensive,but don't pay more for the lock than you did for the bike! Cheaper shackle locks are available from around £8 and can deter the casual thief.
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