Still to this day, I remember the overwhelming nerves, the pre-conceived expectations, and the ‘picture-perfect’ version of Freshers’ Week I’d built up in my head before even travelling to Durham. I definitely had unrealistic expectations and fell for many of the myths surrounding Freshers’, whether they were shaped by social media or friends at other universities.
My name is Lacey, and I’m about to start second year studying English Literature at Durham, part of Van Mildert College. Below is my honest insight into Freshers’ Week while debunking the myths I believed before arriving.
Myth One: “Your flatmates will automatically be your best friends.”
For me, this certainly wasn’t the case, but sometimes, yes.
On my first day of Freshers, I had just said goodbye to my parents, when I met my Freps (older volunteering students who are literal life-savers and ports of call during Freshers Week!!) They ran ice breakers/games with the people on my floor/flat and we all went for dinner together afterwards in the dining hall, for the welcome meal. It was lovely – but Fresher flat groups can be instant matches, total chaos, or not quite your crowd. Don’t panic if you don’t “click” instantly. I have found that often your real friends come later – through your course, societies, or random people in the bar queue.
Myth Two: “You have to go out every night.”
Nope. I did not go out every night during Freshers.
I had plenty of amazing nights out, met people I am still close with, made memories and just generally had fun. But a night in is needed – and this is something most people agreed upon. Midpoint during Freshers I recall going to watch a Durham Rugby match and then having a chill evening relaxing – an ideal nice break!
There were loads of non-going-out activities including; discovering Durham City, pancakes at Riverview (a must!!), petting zoos, Matriculation, Formal Night in college, Karaoke, and inflatable rides set up in the dining hall. It was a lovely mix – busy, fun, and not just about nights out.
Myth Three: “You’re weird if you feel homesick.”
I was pleasantly surprised with how many people were open about feeling homesick – and a memory that sticks out was crying with my flat in the kitchen after our parents had left (the ideal flat bonding!). I come from a small island in the Channel Islands, so home is a flight away, and I wasn’t returning till Christmas holidays so homesickness was very daunting and has definitely been prevalent. Remember, talk to your friends, flatmates, Freps, and your college support team – homesick is normal, and almost everyone experiences it, even if they hide it. I never felt alone or unsupported during Fresher’s Week.
Myth Four: “You must join every society.”
It is certainly tempting, and definitely a good way to meet people, but try not to overwhelm yourself. Colleges hold Freshers Fairs (‘Freshtival’) at one point in the week, where you can discover all the college level societies/ sports, and there’s also a University level Fresher’s Fair. I definitely signed up for way too much at the start, but through these fairs I found my love for Cheer and joined the team – so honestly, it is true when they say there is something for everyone, and loads of new exciting opportunities to try!
Myth Five: “You will get Fresher’s Flu”
This is one of the only myths which could be arguably true! Fresher’s Flu is a serious thing, and it is important to look after yourself during this week. I stocked up on medicine and nice treats to keep my going, but made sure to take breaks and rest when I could.
Myth Six: “It’ll be the best week of your life.”
Lastly, one of the biggest myths in my opinion.
Sometimes it’s fun, sometimes it’s exhausting, sometimes it’s just… fine. The pressure to have an ‘iconic’ or ‘perfect’ week makes people enjoy it less. I just tried to simply have fun, but if you don’t enjoy it, I found Uni gets better once normal routines start.
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