Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
What to expect during Freshers' Week
Hi I’m Molly, I've just graduated from Leeds Beckett University with a degree in Public Relations with Journalism, so let's talk about what to expect during Freshers' Week.
Freshers’ Week is the annual period of university student orientation, where first-year students are welcomed to Leeds Beckett with a variety of events, parties, and networking opportunities. This year Freshers’ Week begins on 16 September 2024 at Leeds Beckett, lasting a week before the first term begins, giving new students a chance to get to know classmates, possibly flat-mates and the city of Leeds before university properly starts.
Make the most of it
Get ready for an exciting Freshers' Week! Starting Monday 16 September, Freshers’ Fairs will be running every weekday – The Monday fair will be held at Headingley Campus and then the rest of the week will be held at City Campus. This is your chance to explore everything Leeds Beckett has to offer, from discovering awesome sports teams and societies to playing games and grabbing loads of freebies.
Freshers' Week is the perfect time to take advantage of freebies, offers, and discounts. The Freshers’ Fairs are famous for handing out free food, drinks, and vouchers that you can use throughout the week. Plus, many of the Halls of Residence offer a ‘Freshers’ Pack’ filled with essentials and amazing restaurant and takeout deals. Make sure to snag these goodies before they’re gone! I remember how I first got involved at Freshers’ Fair—signing up to try out for the cheerleading team was one of the best decisions I made! Plus, I scored a free Domino’s pizza voucher and loads of other freebies. Total win-win!
Don't miss out on the fantastic events hosted by Voodoo Events, the only officially affiliated university Freshers' partner. From 15 – 29 September, they’ve got two weeks packed with events. You can grab a Freshers’ wristband that gives you access to multiple events, and you can choose to buy one band or both. It's a great opportunity to have fun with new friends and make the most of the amazing deals on offer.
Put yourself out there
Freshers’ Week is an amazing opportunity to put yourself out there and meet new people before classes officially begin. It’s your first real chance to make lots of new friends at university, so don’t hesitate to introduce yourself or jump into plans. While you might not stay close with everyone you meet during Freshers’ Week, you’ll definitely connect with like-minded people and form real friendships that will last throughout your time at university.
If you’re moving into Halls of Residence, make the most of Freshers’ Week with your flatmates. When I moved into Arena Village, I was living with five flatmates I hadn’t met before. Freshers’ Week turned out to be a blast as we all went out together, fuelled by a bit of liquid courage. We made the most of special offers for different restaurants, bars, and shops in Leeds, which was a great way to bond.
And if you know anyone studying your subject, why not organise a meet-up with your course-mates? It's a fun way to get to know each other and kick off the university experience. Remember, everyone is in the same boat, so be open, friendly, and ready to have a fantastic time!
Budget planning
Freshers’ Week is going to be packed with fun, but it’s also important to keep an eye on your finances. Trust me, budgeting for the week’s activities can save you a lot of stress later. If you’re planning for lots of nights out, make sure your bank account is ready too! And keep in mind that if you applied for a student loan, you should receive your first disbursement around 30 September, so plan accordingly.
When I first started university, I learned quickly that having a stocked fridge can really help you manage your budget. Preparing your food shop for Freshers’ Week is a smart move. It stops you from spending unnecessarily on food, and it's the perfect opportunity to learn how to cook. I remember the first time I tried cooking in our flat kitchen — it was a bit chaotic, but I quickly realised that cooking for myself saved me tons of money. Plus, it was way healthier than grabbing a takeaway every night.
If you get into the habit of cooking early, you’ll develop a key life skill and save a lot of money. You might even feel healthier than if you were constantly eating out - why not team up with your flatmates to prepare a few meals together? It’s a great way to bond. I remember making big batches of pasta with my flatmates—it was cheap, easy, and perfect for those late-night munchies. Remember, everyone is figuring things out just like you, so take it one step at a time and do it together.
Take care
Freshers’ Week will probably involve meeting lots of new people, so remember to stay safe. Meeting tonnes of new people heightens your chance of catching the Freshers’ flu - illnesses contracted by university students with common symptoms including fever, sore throat and coughing. Don’t worry too much, most freshers experience some sort of illness during their first few weeks at university as they get used to their new surroundings and peers. Just pack plenty of cold and flu tablets!
It’s a good idea to register with a doctor when moving to your new university city, ensuring you have a GP to visit if you ever need to. Read about getting registered with a dentist and doctor, doing this early encourages you to not to just wait until you need them, get registered at your local GP surgery and dentist as soon as possible.
During a week of fun, new friends and experiences, it’s important to look after your mental and physical health. Recognise when you’re feeling too tired or unwell and know when to say no to things you don’t feel up for to ensure you don’t burn yourself out.
Enjoy every moment
I've had the best time during my years at Leeds Beckett University, and I’m so grateful for all the amazing experiences and friendships I’ve made along the way so here is my advice to you:
Freshers’ Week is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life. It's a whirlwind of new experiences, friendships, and opportunities that you’ll remember for years to come. Take each moment as it comes, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone—whether that means joining a new club, trying a different cuisine, or starting conversations, knowing that everyone is in the same boat. These first few weeks can set the tone for your university experience, so fill them with laughter, learning, and plenty of fun.
