So you’re going to uni in the next couple of weeks – or perhaps you’re already there. There’s no more school, you’re away from home and there’s freedom. Freedom to do whatever you so please. It’s also Freshers’ Week though, which whilst a ridiculous amount of fun can also be quite daunting and tough to get through in one piece. Here at Hoodie Tee we’ve been thinking about Freshers’ Week and  all the societies you can join, and we’ve come up with eight little pointers which will set you off in the right direction.

1. You’ll make friends – but they don’t have to be for life

Whether you’re in halls or just out and about you are going to meet loads of people. Some you’ll hit it off with straight away, others will be the opposite. Remember though that you’ve the whole year (and years beyond) to cement friendships, those you meet week one don’t have to be a friend for life, no matter what the movies tell you.

2. Pace yourself

From Saturday to classes starting a week later there are nine days. That’s a lot of partying, socialising and probably a few sore heads, so pace yourself. Have a night or two off, eat fruit and veg, drink water – you’ll thank yourself for it later. Also with so many new people from so many places you are going to get Freshers’ Flu, so be ready for it and make sure your immune system isn’t just focusing on helping your liver!

3. Sleep & eat

Leading on from the second point, remember to sleep and eat. And by eat we don’t mean a late night pizza! You’ll want to do loads of stuff, but if you’re out until four the chances of you doing well at the Frisbee try outs at 9am aren’t great. Try get a semi-decent night’s sleep and remember to eat breakfast – beer and pizza may taste great, but isn’t a long term plan.

4. Budget

So it isn’t glamorous, but if you don’t want to be eating beans on toast and stale white bread for the rest of the semester make a realistic budget and stick to it. Factor in socialising – it’s a big part of uni life – but remember to budget for other things like food, books and stationery (and awesome society hoodies, of course!), you are there to learn after all!

5. Go to the freshers’ fair

Go along to the freshers’ fair, even if you think they’re all ‘a bit weird’. Most universities have a huge range of student societies, and whilst some are weird – we did a round up of some of the strangest, which you can read here – there are loads that can line you up with valuable skills, experience and friends for life.

6. Student politics – a word to the wise

There are politics in every aspect of life, but in student life they are huge. Why? Well, in the words of former US secretary of State Henry Kissinger said: “the reason that university politics is so vicious is because the stakes are so small.” It’s good to remember that whilst some things seem HUGE at uni, they probably aren’t in the wider scheme of things. If you’re going to get involved though prepare to channel your inner Francis Underwood.

7. Sort yourself out

So have fun, by all means, but remember you are a (ahem) responsible adult now, so make sure your student loan is in place, your rent is paid and you know where the library is. If you sort everything out in freshers’ week you’ll be set for the semester.

8. Remember to enjoy yourself

It’s Freshers’ Week! Get out there, have fun and enjoy yourself. It’s going to be a lot of fun, but even if you don’t have the time of your life there’s still the entire year to enjoy yourself!