What Happens During Freshers’ Week?

Freshers’ week is basically one big welcome party for all new students. Expect everything from late-night clubbing to society fairs, taster sessions, and maybe even some wild events like foam parties or freshers’ fairs with free pizza (yes, please!). Local nightclubs, bars, and restaurants also get involved with discounts and freshers’ events, so there’s never a dull moment.

Most universities will start freshers’ week towards the end of September. Check your uni timetable so you don’t miss out on all the fun.

Tip: Don’t feel pressured to go to every event. There’s so much going on during freshers’ week that it’s impossible to do it all. Pick a few events you’re excited about and enjoy them at your own pace.

How Much Money Should You Have for Freshers’ Week?

Freshers’ week can be pricey if you don’t plan ahead. Between nights out, club tickets, and unexpected costs (like textbooks or food), it’s easy to burn through your budget fast. To avoid blowing your student loan in the first week, set a daily budget and stick to it.

Our advice? If you want to attend multiple events, consider buying a freshers’ week pass or wristband—it’s usually cheaper than paying for each event separately. Just remember to keep a bit of cash aside for essentials (and emergency pizza!).

Making Friends During Freshers’ Week

Meeting new people might feel intimidating, but remember: everyone is in the same boat. Whether you’re at freshers week Newcastle, Bangor, or Sheffield, everyone is looking to make friends.

Pro tip: Keep your door open while you’re unpacking so flatmates can pop in and say hello.

Another one: Ask questions! People love talking about themselves, so if you’re nervous, let them do the talking. You’ll seem friendly and approachable without having to stress about what to say.

Clubs and societies are another easy way to meet like-minded people. From Football to LGBTQ+ groups to extreme frisbee, freshers’ fairs have something for everyone. Don’t be shy—sign up for whatever interests you.

Don’t Worry If You Don’t Drink

Although freshers’ week is often associated with nights out and drinking, you absolutely don’t need to drink to have fun. Many universities now offer alcohol-free events and sober socials like movie nights, café meetups, and board games evenings.

If your housemates are hitting the clubs, you can always join in without the alcohol—grab a lemonade, enjoy the night, and be the hero who helps them figure out the bus times home.

Surviving Freshers’ Flu

You’ve probably heard of freshers’ flu, and it’s a real thing. All those late nights, meeting new people, and shared spaces can take a toll on your immune system. Make sure you stock up on vitamin C, stay hydrated, and take it easy when needed to avoid getting hit too hard by the freshers’ lurgy.

Fancy Dress Events

You’ll likely get invited to at least one fancy dress party during freshers week at uni. Whether it’s a neon rave or a themed bar crawl, fancy dress is part of the fun. Don’t worry about spending loads of cash—get creative! Charity shops and swapping sites are goldmines for budget costumes.

Make the Most of Where You Live

Whether it’s grabbing last-minute fancy dress, finding a local pizza spot, or hanging out in a quiet park to escape the madness, here’s how to make the most of your Project Student private student accommodation:

Leicester One (Leicester)

Just an 11-minute walk from De Montfort University, Leicester One is in the perfect location for freshers’ week. Need a quick break from the chaos? Chill with your flatmates in the games room or grab a free coffee to recharge.

• Fancy dress emergency? No worries, Flying Tiger Copenhagen is just a 4-minute walk away for quirky accessories or the British Heart Foundation (8-minute walk) for grabbing fancy dress items at a bargain price.
• Pizza craving? Head to Pizza Express, just 10 minutes away.
• Escape the noise: Visit Castle Gardens, only 12 minutes away—perfect for some downtime by the river.

Hops House (Leicester)

Located near the lively Clarendon Park, Hops House is a great spot for freshers who want a mix of excitement and relaxation. Just 15 minutes from Clarendon Books, you can escape with a good read if freshers’ week feels a bit much.

• Need last-minute fancy dress? Oxfam and Cancer Research UK are both less than a 20-minute walk away, and for the finishing touches, Flying Tiger Copenhagen is just 20 minutes away.
• Pizza run: Try Domino’s, a 12-minute walk from Hops House.
• Fresh air break: Relax in Victoria Park, a 10-minute stroll away, perfect for a hangout with your new mates.

The Oval (Leicester)

With a gated car park, The Oval is ideal for freshers who might be driving around. After a busy day of freshers’ week madness, you can kick back in your flat or get in the car to hit up local spots.

• Fancy dress shopping? Take a quick 20-minute drive to Barnardo’s, ideal for a wide selection of second-hand goodies.
• Pizza time: Hop in the car and head to Papa John’s—just a 10-minute drive.
• Freshers’ escape: Drive over to Bradgate Park, about 20 minutes away, for a scenic retreat in nature.

The Button Factory (Leicester)

Love cycling? The Button Factory has bike storage on-site, making it easy to get around. It’s perfect for active freshers wanting to explore Leicester.

• Fancy dress fix? Cycle 7 minutes to Flying Tiger Copenhagen to grab quirky items for freshers’ events.
• Pizza night: Just a 10-minute cycle to Pizza Hut if you and your flatmates want a quick bite.
• Chill spot: Need a breather? Ride 5 minutes to Bede Park for some quiet time by the canal.

Inka Studios (Leicester)

Located just an 8-minute drive from the University of Leicester, Inka Studios offers spacious, modern studio apartments that are perfect for freshers looking for a stylish place to unwind after a busy day. With nearby amenities and street parking, it’s ideal for students who like their independence.

• Fancy dress shopping? Hop in the car and head to Barnardo’s, just a 10-minute drive away, for second-hand fancy dress finds and accessories.
• Pizza time: Drive 8 minutes to Pizza Hut or check out Papa John’s for a quick bite with friends.
• Freshers’ escape: Drive to Bradgate Park, just 20 minutes away, and enjoy some scenic countryside and fresh air after the excitement of freshers’ week.

Ty Glyn (Bangor)

Ty Glyn is just a 13-minute walk from Bangor University, perfect for freshers who want easy access to both the university and the city. After a busy day of freshers’ week madness, you can relax in your luxury studio or head out to explore Bangor.

• Fancy dress shopping? Take a 10-minute stroll to the British Heart Foundation or Oxfam, where you’ll find plenty of affordable costume options for freshers’ events.
• Pizza time: Walk just 10 minutes to Domino’s for a quick bite before heading out to a freshers’ night.
• Freshers’ escape: Walk 15 minutes to Roman Camp for stunning views and a peaceful retreat from the excitement of freshers’ week.

Phoenix House (Coventry)

After a packed day of freshers’ week fun, you can retreat to your studio apartment or cycle out to nearby spots.

• Fancy dress shopping? You’re just a 12-minute bike ride from Wilko and British Heart Foundation, where you can pick up last-minute costumes for freshers’ events.
• Pizza time: Cycle 5 minutes to Papa John’s for a quick pizza fix before the next event.
• Freshers’ escape: Take a 10-minute walk to Nauls Mill Park to enjoy some peace and quiet in the city’s green spaces.

Portobello Point (Sheffield)

After a hectic day, hit the on-site gym or head out to explore the city.

• Fancy dress shopping? Take a 10-minute walk to Flying Tiger Copenhagen or pop into Oxfam for affordable, quirky fancy dress.
• Pizza time: Walk 12 minutes to Pizza Hut for a quick bite before your next night out.
• Freshers’ escape: Walk 7 minutes to Weston Park, one of Sheffield’s most beautiful parks, for some peace and quiet in nature.

College Mews (Lincoln)

Just a 7-minute walk from Lincoln University, College Mews offers the perfect mix of calm and convenience. After a hectic day of freshers’ week, your studio apartment with outdoor space is the perfect place to recharge.

• Fancy dress shopping? Head to Primark or British Heart Foundation, both about 15 minutes away, to pick up affordable fancy dress for all those themed nights.
• Pizza time: Take a quick 8-minute walk to Pizza Express for some quality pizza with your new flatmates.
• Freshers’ escape: Just a 10-minute stroll to The Arboretum, the perfect green spot for relaxing and catching up with new friends away from the buzz of freshers’ events.

Verney Street (Exeter)

Verney Street offers a luxury boutique experience, perfect for freshers looking to make the most of their time at the University of Exeter. After a day filled with freshers’ events, your secure studio apartment is the perfect retreat.

• Fancy dress shopping? Take a quick 10-minute walk to British Heart Foundation for unique fancy dress items.
• Pizza time: Head to The Firehouse, just 9 minutes away, for some of the best pizza in town to share with your new friends.
• Freshers’ escape: Stroll 10 minutes to Northernhay Gardens and unwind in the historic park away from the freshers’ week buzz.

Step House (Newcastle)

In the heart of Newcastle’s student area, Step House is ideal for freshers at Newcastle and Northumbria Universities. After a day of freshers’ madness, relax in your flat or explore Newcastle’s vibrant city life.

• Fancy dress shopping? Take a 7-minute walk to British Heart Foundation for fancy dress essentials, or explore other charity shops nearby for great finds.
• Pizza time: Walk 10 minutes to Pizza Express or grab a slice at Slice Sunderland, perfect for a quick bite before the next event.
• Freshers’ escape: Escape the city with a 9-minute walk to Leazes Park, a peaceful green space to relax by the lake and take a breather from the freshers’ chaos.