Firstly, a quick word on “pressure”. I think there are multiple types of pressure when it comes to Freshers' expectation and experience. It is worth mentioning that pressure you put on the week yourself can be quite distracting. There’s so much hype around this first week that it may seem like the be all and end all, but I can assure you it is not. Think of it as the beginning of something great, and if it’s exactly what you hoped for then that’s amazing, but if not then be reassured in the enormous amount of time you have left of the year!
If you feel uncomfortable, there is no shame in removing yourself from any situation
Now in terms of external pressures, such as from peers or FOMO, if you feel uncomfortable, there is no shame in removing yourself from any situation. Remember that whatever it is you’re being pressured into is a tiny drop in the huge, exciting pond that is Newcastle. Don't feel bad about not taking part and instead seek out the other drops. There are thousands of other like-minded people and hundreds of better-suited activities that are waiting to be found.
That being said, I think it’s important to highlight the distinction between nervousness and pressure. You will find yourself in situations that you are not used to and therefore may very well venture out of your comfort zone. Now once out of that zone, again if it feels all wrong, then don’t stay! But I certainly found so many new things that I enjoyed and met so many great people in situations that I never imagined myself in. In particular I think of a fellwalking society beach event, where I ended up winning the rounders game, despite having a lifelong disliking of competitive sport.
There is no pressure to stick with the same people or the same society, so explore as much as possible
The brilliant thing about university life, and especially in Freshers' Week, is that you can try so many things without committing. There is no pressure to stick with the same people or the same society, so explore as much as possible.
Lastly I’d like to make a reminder not to forget basic human decency in these new unfamiliar territories and to urge you to focus on the commonalities rather than the differences. You don’t have to like the same things as people, or do the same stuff, but don’t isolate yourself or anyone else because of these differences. Of course I’m not saying to give your misogynist, heroin-injecting flatmate a second chance, just to consider that everyone is likely feeling the same nerves and undergoing the same amount of change – that right there is a shared experience to bond over.
I’d say the best way to approach freshers is to imagine yourself as a flowing river. Travel by and through everything, opting to stop and create ponds or lakes at places you find interesting, but as soon as you feel yourself hitting a hard uncomfortable rock, don’t stress, just wind on around and keep moving!