Starting Out

Freshers Week

This will be fun. It would also be memorable if only memory wasn't impaired by Stella Artois. Attend Freshers' Week at all costs - it is a chance to get so much out of the way before term starts, you will make loads of friends, and you'll get to know a bit of the town in which you hope to live for the next few years.

You will also have to do the official bits - get registered on your course (the college should tell you how or ask at your Union or Guild office) - at this point you'll also get your Student Card - remember passport photos . Registration is notorious - take glucose, rations, a tent, and sleeping bag - a bit it like queuing at Disneyland without the adrenaline. Just nod and sign when asked; The Card is the Holy Grail - use it wisely. Get your course timetable - usually from your department building so take the opportunity to snoop around. This lot might take a whole day - remember it does not creep into the night and you still have another 6 days to lose dancing to the Dr. Octagon '73 remix of I Will Survive.... again and again. But do have a look around, familiarise yourself with the landscape of the college and the town, find the best pubs for all moods, the best clubs to suit, where to Eat In and Take Away, and where to shop - our City Pages will help.

You may also want to join a couple of societies (see the next page) - there is usually some sort of Societies Fair during the Freshers' Week so pop along - there are often cheap gimmicks to be had. Do not join everything - you may find your Young Conservatives leafleting campaign clashes with your Salvador Dali Pub Experience just once too often and the Young Conservatives don't offer refunds.

Enjoy your first week and use it to establish a foothold for yourself. Then fall over.... again.