A Guide to Socially Distanced Freshers

By Nadia

For those who don't know, Freshers is a manic, crash-start week for students who are beginning university. The main goal is to make new friends, experience more independence and to have fun before uni deadlines and lectures officially begin. However, in 2020 Freshers will look a little different to previous years: many changes will have to be made to accommodate social distancing and reducing the spread of Coronavirus.

Generally, Freshers consists of partying with new friends, going clubbing, staying up into the early hours of the morning and, of course, getting very drunk. Obviously due to the Coronavirus pandemic, not all of these things are still possible and you may worry that your Freshers will not live up to expectations. There are still many different ways to meet new people, experience things you haven't before and to enjoy yourself.

As your flatmates are now your 'bubble', most of these activities can be done from the comfort of your own flat / house, but you can still find ways to meet other people too, whether that be online or in person socially distancing.

Here are some ideas that you could try out during your Fresher's :

• Having a movie night with your flatmates

• Going to a local coffee shop / restaurant

• Having a flat 'party', making sure to stick to your bubble

• Joining societies (this year many universities have moved this online to reduce the risk of spreading the virus)

• Exploring your new city

• Having a picnic outside with course mates

• Going to socially distanced events / nights out (many clubs now have themed nights with seated tables)

• Having a 'cook off' or 'Come Dine With Me' inspired night with your flat

These are just a handful of the many activities that you can still do and won't be impacted by Covid-19, so there is no need to worry that you will be missing out and have nothing to do!

Keep in mind that moving away from home, meeting new people and becoming independent is exhausting, so don't feel like you have to be doing something every second of the day. It's okay to take some time to yourself, whether that be chilling in your room, watching your favourite TV show, or even just heading to bed early to relax.

I hope everyone enjoys their Freshers as much as I have been and makes the most out of their uni experience. Remember, have fun and be safe!