The first days of Freshers’ Week are some of the most emotional days spent at university. The highs consist of pure joy and laughter when out with your new-found friends, and the peace you feel with the freedom of adulthood and living alone. However, these emotional highs can be met with lows too. This is nothing to be ashamed of, as everyone experiences these. The first few weeks at university are eye-opening for everyone. For many of us, it is the first time we have stayed away from home for more than a few weeks and it’s the first time we have lived away from family, especially family pets.
The first few weeks at university are eye-opening for everyone.
Freshers’ Week isn’t just about clubbing, although that is also important. It is a time to learn about yourself and meet new people, some you’d never expect to! There are many events during Freshers, that can allow you to find new hobbies and passions, as well as meeting others! The Freshers’ Fair showcases societies and what they have to offer, with most societies offering taster sessions and trials. Sport and hobbies can be so beneficial to our mental health, and many taster sessions are free and can offer an insight life at Exeter! The sport tasters and trials can be scary, but there are so many options, from high performance squads to BUCs teams, to intramural sport, there are so many ways to get involved.
Freshers can be full on, and clubs are open every night AND early! Taking a night or two off can allow you some self-care if the socialising has been a bit too much and may prevent you from getting the dreaded Freshers’ Flu! You can still spend time with flatmates without going out and drinking! A board-game evening or movie night with your flatmates is a great way to build lasting friendships without having to go out. I have very fond memories of all 8 of my first-year flatmates cramped around a laptop to watch Love Island every night, as well as many games of Catan and Jenga. You can make such important and lasting connections with your flatmates. I met my now-boyfriend on my first day at Exeter, and I can’t imagine life without him.
Even after two years, I Facetime my mum a few nights a week, especially when the Great British Bake-off starts, and we watch it on facetime together and eat sweet treats!
It’s important to check in with your loved ones, however far away they are. Whether you’re doing long distance with a partner, or you surprisingly miss your family (we all feel it, I still miss my mum after two years at university), they are always a Facetime or a call away. Even after two years, I Facetime my mum a few nights a week, especially when the Great British Bake-off starts, and we watch it on facetime together and eat sweet treats!
If you do find yourself struggling with your mental health or university life, the wellbeing team are an important support system. They offer help for any struggle, big or small, and are there throughout your studies.
If you’re looking for support this Freshers’ Week, or are concerned about preexisting mental health struggles, email wellbeing@exeter.ac.uk, or go to the Student’s Guild support page. They will be able to support you, but you do need to ask for help loudly.
Check out our other articles on Freshers’ Week to find out more about how to look after yourself.
