UCL Freshers' Week: 12 expectations vs. reality

Illustration by Jennifer Oguguo

Freshers’ Week is looming! Excited? Scared? Confused? That’s how I felt too. Reflecting on my experience coming to UCL last year, I’ve drawn up a list of 12 expectations that didn’t match the reality of my Freshers’ Week. Of course, we’re all different, so read this with a pinch of salt.

Expectation 1: You have to buy the Freshers’ wristband

Reality: If you’re not sure about whether or not to go for it, don’t. It’ll only add extra financial and social pressure to your week. Most people find that it’s not good value and far better to give yourself the freedom each night to go where you want, when you want and with whoever you end up with. Going clubbing with the same wristband-ed group of people every night of freshers sounds pretty repetitive to me – you don’t want to be tied to that.

Expectation 2: You’ll be busy all the time

Reality: You’ll have lonely moments and you’re not alone in this. It doesn’t mean that you’re failing at freshers – it’s actually important to build in time for yourself.  My advice is to try and embrace the busy highs and the quieter lows. You may feel like you’re the only one feeling this way but remember that an outsider can never witness another person’s loneliness. Schrodinger has a point here.

Expectation 3: You’ll become a Londoner

Reality: Nah, we’re all faking it. Use Citymapper for bus and tube routes and Time Out London for ‘local, quirky’ restaurant recommendations.

Expectation 4: You’ll have new experiences

Reality: Most of the Freshers Experience consists of mutually awkward small talk, whether you’re at a ‘wild pre-drinks’ or a low-key games night. Don’t hold yourself to higher expectations just because it’s Freshers’ Week. There’s plenty of time for new experiences throughout your uni years and often it’s the less exciting moments that turn out to be the most memorable.

Expectation 5: You have to be good at art or sport to join a society

Reality: No! Societies aren’t about being good at things, they’re about being interested in things – whether it’s a long-term hobby or something entirely new to you. I’d recommend signing up to one fun/hobby society and one career/intellectual society. Cheeky promo: Pi Media can fit the brief for both!

Expectation 6: Grab all the freebies you can at the Freshers’ Fair

Reality: Let’s be real, we all love a freebie. But limit yourself. Ask whether “it sparks joy”. Do you really need a branded pen from the Argentine Tango Society or another EFS bottle opener? (Although you DEFINITELY do need a Pi tote bag – come see us at the Freshers’ Fair to pick one up.)

Expectation 7: Freshers is all about socialising

Reality: I found Freshers’ Week to be the least productive social time of the year. Yes, I tried to be sociable, but I met my closest friends throughout my first year. I’m sure I’ll make more friends in second year too. Allow yourself the time to do other important things, like finding a good local café, decorating your room and cosying up to facetime your dog.

Expectation 8: Having fun at uni costs too much money

Reality: Yes, uni in London is expensive. Yes, my bank account weeps. Though there are lots of fun things going on that happen to be free. Some of my favourite nights out were Saturdays at Phineas and Mully’s (Students’ Union bars), where Glittoris and karaoke nights were fabulous, free and not far from campus.

Expectation 9: You’re a strong independent student now (and you don’t need no fam)

Reality: Yes, you’re an adult now and you’ve worked bloody hard to get here. However, remember that a big part of independence is understanding that you can’t always face the world on your own. It’s so important to appreciate the support of others and seek out help when you need it, whether from family, friends or the wellbeing services at UCL. My first year was tough and I had to learn that the real ‘adult’ thing to do was talk to the UCL Psychological Services and get some help.

Expectation 10: You’ll either love or hate your flatmates

Reality: The likelihood is that your flatmates will be okay. They’ll be nice but you might not have much in common and it’s completely normal to keep to yourselves after freshers.  I can assure you that one of your flatmates will literally never be in the flat, one will always make an absolute mess in the kitchen, one will complain nonstop about the “absolute mess in the kitchen” and one will probably flood the whole flat (that was me).

Expectation 11: Introverts don’t have as much fun in Freshers

Reality: Speaking as an introvert, I had just as much fun as anyone else. I chose to do what I wanted, whether that was going out to clubs or staying in for board games and Netflix. As long as you do what you fancy, you’ll have a pretty good time. Remember: although some extroverts like to club and tell you all about it, it doesn’t mean they’re better at having fun than you.

Expectation 12: Second and third years have their shit together

Reality: No, we’re all hot messes. I still have no clue how to print my work in the library.