Starting university is a big event for anyone deciding to continue their education. You may be feeling nervous and like the odd one out, however you are all in the same boat.

Freshers’ fortnight is the first opportunity for first year students to meet new people, get to know the University and most importantly, have a fantastic time and settle in. Most Universities only offer one week of freshers, however BNU and the Students’ Union run a jam packed two weeks of the icebreakers and events.

I’m Charlie, a recent alumni of a BNU undergraduate and postgraduate degree. I’ll be giving you my top tips for freshers’ fortnight to help you can make the most of your first two weeks and the rest of your university experience an unforgettable one.

Looking at what’s on

My first tip is, get yourself onto our Student Union website to check out what’s going on for fresher’s fortnight. I know everyone is different and there are some great events to cater to all needs, from evening events that involve great priced drinks and music, to society activities and icebreaker events. Make sure to click the link to see what you and your new friends can get up to: https://www.bucksstudentsunion.org/whatson

It’s also worth noting that our fresher’s fortnight evening events are explosive, with attractions like stilt walkers, inflatables, confetti and fantastic sound and lighting systems for an electrifying and exciting experience. Also the best bit is, it’s all FREE for BNU Students!

Friends, friends, and friends!

There’s no denying that moving into your university accommodation is a nervy experience. You are leaving the familiar. However take this opportunity to push yourself to build new friendships and relationships with your university community. Meet those living in your flat, help others grow and become more comfortable in coming out of their shells. Enjoy freshers’ fortnight with all your new pals.

Inductions for your courses

Freshers’ fortnight isn’t just about partying with your new friends, it’s about getting to grips with the university and settling into your new course. After all, your university experience is completely different to school and college, so going to your inductions is extremely important. Make sure you attend these on time, as usually other students will be inducted at the same time. Also, if it’s possible, try and find people around your accommodation who may be enrolled on your course, this means you can buddy up with someone on your first day. It also means you have someone to walk with for those 9AM starts.

Nightlife

Part of freshers’ fortnight is enjoying the local social scene with your new friends. There are several bars, restaurants and pubs that are in the centre of High Wycombe, a short walk from all our halls accommodation. Make sure to get your bearings and try the places around the town. Throughout most of fresher’s fortnight the Students’ Union nightclub will be open, featuring exciting events, although, it’s great to get out and about when having fun with your new friends partying.

Societies

Your fresher’s fortnight is an opportunity to see what clubs and societies you can join. Societies run throughout the whole term time and can be joined at any time throughout the year. However, you should join these during freshers’ fortnight as you won’t be the only one doing this, and you can ease yourself into it more easily.

So, there are my five top tips on how to enjoy and make the most of your freshers’ fortnight. The best tip for students is to enjoy yourselves and use the two weeks as an opportunity to make new friends and settle into university.