Freshers

Freshers - what an extraordinary term. Based on the American "Freshman", originally a slang term, it is now commonly applied to those attending university for the first time, someone new and "fresh" to university life. For me it encapsulates the essence of someone how is perhaps inexperienced, wide-eyed and approaching new experiences, unsure of what to expect - a little scary.

But we are all "freshers" in a way. Each new academic year is a "fresh" year, and brings with it feelings of excitement and anticipation as well as fear and dread. This is completely normal for teachers and students alike.

But at the start of term let me try to give some reassurance to both the real "Freshers" as well as those "Fresh" to Year 13.

University Freshers : it is always hard to start something new. Don't expect it to be all sunshine and roses!

A few tips :·

• Everyone is in the same boat, and so desperate to settle in and make friends. They will appreciate you making the effort to say hello and make the first approach which they are probably dying to make too – it is hard but make the effort.

• · Be yourself – you will find people like you at University, so don’t feel compelled to be who you aren’t. No one will pressurise you to be or doing anything you don’t want.

• · Join a few clubs and societies, there is no better way to make friends.

• · Try to get into a routine, try to be a little organised with work, deadlines, and just the necessities of living on your own.

Students whom I meet at the end of their first year often say that they have had a fantastic time, but no one had warned them how hard that first term can be. One of them said, I had no idea it was so difficult just “to live”. I think by that she means washing, shopping, cleaning, eating etc rather than working! Many say, the first term was really hard, but I am so glad I stuck it out, and I love It now. Expect it to be a challenge – then work out strategies how to cope with each challenge this new term will bring.

Those "Fresh" to Year 13

This too is an exciting and yet potentially scary term for you too: a term when you make some momentous decisions that can affect your future – no pressure then! Do your research carefully, try your best to think about all those many decisions regarding choice of courses and locations and universities, do your best. But try not to worry. It is possible to change your mind – UCAS Clearing is becoming more and more popular not as a last minute choice following exam results, but as a positive vehicle for those who want to change their mind. All you can do is one step at a time – make the best decisions you can at the time you need to. Be organised, stay well and healthy and make the most of your last ever year at school!