Refreshing the freshers

Before I even go into it FRESHERS don't stay indoors. Mix mingle and MILK fresher’s week honestly you’ll regret it if you don’t.

So yeah, about a year ago I wrote a blog post for another blog (link down below) in relation to starting uni; now a year on and seriously although everything I said then is applicable, there are some things that I’ve learnt over time.  Like knowledge is power and some things people leave you to find out for yourself.

So obviously I’m here you know sharing and caring and all that and giving you some tips to exploit the whole experience. 

A lot of the time so people come to uni for the first time knowing one or two people or even a group of people already. That’s all well and good when it comes to knowing where things are around town etc., but here’s the crux. These individuals have been there and done that. They know what venues to go to, they know the best places to shop; they are aware of the best deals and have what seems to be a solid social group. How do they know all of this? Experience.

Be weary of who you associate yourself with; this is something that carries in all environments and situations. When you are new to a particular setting and are already associated with an individual or group of individuals it’s easy for others to assume you’re a particular way because of the similarities that would have bought you and your ‘introducer’ together. Basically for you to be friends (and that’s used loosely) there must be some similarity between you. You have no clue what this person’s reputation is around uni, so yeah you get the perks but is it worth the possible scenario of you being judged before you’re even known?

In the same way don’t restrict your potential friendship/social group by sticking to the same people. What a hypocrite I would be to say you shouldn’t have close friends like I’ve got mine and having genuine friends goes a long way. At the same time though branch out. All those networking events thy tried to force you to go to back in college/sixth form, uni is practically like that daily, most times we don’t see it that way because it isn’t usually forced and so obviously we just see everyone for what they appear to be without realising, the same guy that bumped into you by accident could be your prospective business partner in the future.

We hear it all the time, be nice to everyone because of what the future could bring. Seriously though don’t cut ties! I know for a fact you cant and wont like everyone you come across and some people may not like you but if you can maintain a civil relationship at least. It goes a long way when you realise James from the engineering block has links at a firm you’re looking to intern at. This isn’t using people, each and every person could refuse to help as they are free to do, but ultimately you just never know who is who. Don’t actively see or seek someone for what use they may be for you, but for those you are connected with stay connected and mutual.

Uni is enjoyable I cannot lie, it’s one of the best experiences and I’m not even done yet. Carry yourself well, mix and mingle, don’t force it but be active about it. Within that first month you’ll link with people easier than any other time. So obviously be smart about it and obviously have fun with it too. Try to be remembered for something good too, A LOT can happen in fresher’s week.