There is a lot of pressure in fresher’s week to have the most exciting week of your uni experience. Whilst the underlying hook up culture can be harmless and fun, this piles a whole new sense of pressure on new students who may feel completely inexperienced.
Let’s burst this bubble straight away: fresher’s week is not going to be the best sex of your life. It is incredibly unlikely that you are going to find the love of your life on Soho’s sweaty second floor.
And that’s totally fine! You are going to have so many more nights out and opportunities to enjoy. Remember, you are under no obligation to please anyone else. My advice as a geriatric fourth year is that what feels right for you, is right. Having fun with new and old friends in fresher’s week, is just as much of a successful night out as bringing a stranger back to your halls.
"Freshers can live up to its reputation, but it can also make you feel like you have to keep up with what other students around you are doing"
Don’t get me wrong, freshers can live up to its reputation, but it can also make you feel like you have to keep up with what other students around you are doing. Whether that is drinking a treb that feels just beyond your limit, or going home with someone you’re not totally sure about.
Make sure you are out with people you trust, and always, always keep them in the loop if you decide to go home with someone.
"There are so many resources at the SU to allow you to make the most of your time whilst being safe"
That being said, sex is not something to feel anxious or worried about, so have fun. There are so many resources at the SU to allow you to make the most of your time whilst being safe. You can pop into campus to pick up free contraception as well as free STI tests, as well as speaking to the Welfare and Support team about any worries or concerns, no matter how small.
We want you to remember your freshers week for all the right reasons, so have fun and enjoy your freedom, at whatever pace is right for you!