Freshers. A word that brings forth one of two feelings: excitement or dread. There is a common misconception that if you don’t live in halls you will miss out on the ‘proper university experience’. But that is definitely not the case.

Granted, when you’re in halls you're thrown upon one another and are forced to interact. This isn’t necessarily enjoyable, but helps the process along! Studying from home gives you the freedom to decide what you do and more importantly don’t want to do. Here are 4 tips on how to make the most of Freshers Week if you’re living at home.

1. Find out what’s going on during the day, as well as the night!

In the run-up to Freshers Week, you will seldom hear people talking about the activities going on throughout the day. Because unless drinking is involved, who REALLY cares? Throughout the duration of Freshers Week, there will be an abundance of events held by not only the Student Union but your course too. Make yourself aware of what’s going on and when, then get involved with anything and everything that takes your fancy!

2. Don’t be afraid to go alone

Worried about meeting new people? Sometimes you’ve got to be the brave one and break the ice - after all, you’re all in the same boat. Because you aren’t living on campus it doesn’t mean you won’t meet people that will be keen to grab a coffee during free periods or meet up for a late night study sesh when they’ve had enough of their housemates. Count yourself lucky, you don’t have that problem!

3. Get to know the people on your course

If you’re worried about making friends, getting to know the people on your course is a sure fire way of finding at least one person that you have something in common with. Whether it’s sport, literature or chemical equations, buddy up and drag them along to the Fresher’s Fair!

4. Get involved with as much as possible!

Possibly the most important thing to remember about your Fresher’s Week... whether it’s daytime activities, or Jägerbomb competitions that go on till dawn, don’t be afraid to get stuck in. And don’t forget to memorise the night bus route, you’re gonna need it!