Student Survival Guide

Scared? Nervous? Insomniac? Don't be. The first thing to understand is that there are loads of others who are feeling the same way. And it has ever been thus. How you cope with it is what counts. My advice? The best way is to start by accepting the fact that you'll sometimes get lost; and that on occasion you may feel a wee bit self-conscious as you take your first steps around campus. You may even feel all alone as you try to navigate your way around the academic maze of lecture halls, tutorial rooms and student union bars during those first, all-important days. But you're not alone. Far from it. Just look around. There's countless others just like you, all trying to make sense of their new surroundings. A new adventure is about to begin. College should be fun – so jump aboard and enjoy the ride. Honestly, there's no need to worry – not with our guide on how to get the best from Fresher's Week helping you on your way. Here's to a great year...

Read the campus maps
No, really, read them. Everyone else will, no matter how often they claim otherwise. (“Looking at the campus map? Nah, I'm just appreciating the beauty of the design that's gone into it”). You'll eventually find the best way to lecture halls – and before you know it you'll be able to walk to the union bar blindfolded. But in the meantime, the map is your best friend. We've all been there. Enjoy it while it's still new and confusing.

Talk to people
The joy of Fresher's Week comes from the fact that everyone is in exactly the same position: awkward, excited, and filled with nervous energy. Talk to people: even a 'hi' in the hallway will do. Everyone's on edge. By the end of the week, if you're open to it, you will no doubt have enjoyed random conversations waiting outside orientation, going to the introductory classes for your course, or just wandering around. You'll never have felt more social!

Get free stuff
Your Fresher packs will be your lifeline for the first few weeks, with free condoms, rice, and even Pot Noodles. Take full advantage: this is one of the very few times in life when you get stuff for nothing and there's no catch. Also look out for the mascots. During my first few weeks on campus I saw the SU welfare officer dressed up as sperm handing out free condoms, and a guy dressed up as intestines dispensing leaflets about inflammatory bowel disease.

Join clubs and socs
Think you're the only one with a fondness for investigating paranormal activity or with a genuine hankering after a cup of tea? Think again. In the world of clubs and societies, there's something for everyone. These venerable institutions are also one of the quickest ways to get to know people from different courses. You can pick up new skills, and even discover an interest you didn't know you had. You could even be a secret bog-snorkeller. Now's your chance to find out. 

It's not like school (YAY!!)
Your only previous experience of an academic environment has been that gulag of psychological brutality they call school. But school's out. Forever. (Double yay!) Lecturers won't be chasing after you for assignments: they speak to you as if you’re a human being rather than some sort of pond slime. Everything's up to you. This might seem mildly terrifying at first. You'll probably be desperately filing assignments at the last minute, with the key difference being that at least now you're choosing to do it. And it will hopefully be on a topic you have a genuine interest in, rather than some stupefyingly tedious minutiae about soil formations or isosceles triangles that you just know will be of no use whatsoever in your future career or indeed your life.

Cooking
Strange as it might seem, devouring takeaway pizza only works for so long. If cooking seems like an impenetrable foreign language, invest in a handy and useful cookbook (It's Not Rocket Salad! by Viv Swallow is an excellent starting point). You'll be impressing your flatmates with your newly acquired culinary skills in no time. It will also save a lot of money, always a good thing when trying to stick within student budgets. 

Finally, enjoy it!
College will probably be one of the most exciting and fulfilling experiences of your life; those difficult first 48 hours are just the starting point. So get ready to enjoy it for what it is: a new experience with new people in a place that you (probably) worked incredibly hard to get into. Now, go for it...