Blog post

Freshers: Top tips from students on how to handle being a Fresher

Starting university can be a daunting experience - new places, people and experiences. Here, students and graduates from Derby give their top tips to first year students.

By Kelly Tyler - 22 October 2016

Explore your new city

Marketing and Media Writing graduate Georgie Lazarri said: “Take time to have a look around the campus, surrounding area and city. See what you can discover and find things that you love in your new home.

“Try and meet as many people as possible. This can be through your course, halls or societies. Involve yourself in the many social opportunities available to you. This is such an exciting time of life!”

Get your finances in check

Marjorie Tang, Geology student, said: “Try and have a financial back up plan. Make sure you have a conversation with your parent(s)/ carer in case you run into difficulty. This could be your student loan not coming through as expected, or an unforeseen expense.

“Make the most of your time at university, the time flies by so quick. You don’t want to have any regrets about not joining a society or getting involved in a sports team. You never know who you could meet and what you can achieve.

“Studying is a big part of university and so is making new connections. Try to make as many as you can, be it lecturers or other students, they may come in handy one day.”

Be sociable

Tom Kurczij, Marketing graduate, said: “Try to get involved with as much as you can.

“You’ll meet friends in halls and on your course but some of the best friends I made were during my first few days at fresher’s events.

“Also, make sure you look around at the societies during the Fresher’s Fair. There are so many to choose from that you’re bound to find something you’re interested in. It’s a great way to meet people with similar interests.”

Keep calm and enjoy university

Kirsty Armstrong-Booth, Psychology student, said: “Stay calm. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by it all. Take and deep breath and get involved, there’s nothing to lose.”

For further information contact the press office at pressoffice@derby.ac.uk.

About the author

Kelly Tyler
Public Relations Officer

Kelly Tyler works for the Corporate Communications team at the University.

Email
k.tyler@derby.ac.uk