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As you begin your first term at university, this is a great opportunity for you to get to know your new surroundings, make friends and settle in. Get advice on how to navigate freshers' week 2025 and where to go for help and guidance

What is freshers' week?

Freshers' week relates to the activities that take place during the first week of university. In reality, it's often more like two or three weeks, with the aim of helping students settle into their new environment and make friends before lectures begin.

Also referred to as 'welcome week,' freshers' week is an incredibly busy time, filled with:

• social events
• freshers' fairs
• the completion of important administrative tasks.

Is freshers' week just for first years?

Most of the welcome events during freshers' week are geared towards first years, who are still acclimatising to university life.

Despite this, social activities, such as the freshers' fair, are typically open to both new and returning students.

When is freshers' week 2025?

The exact dates can vary between universities, but they generally take place in mid to late September. Some welcome social events may even take place in early October.

Students usually move into their accommodation during the week or weekend before fresher's week. Discover what you need to know about student accommodation.

What admin tasks take place during freshers' week?

Register as a student

The most important date in your welcome week diary will be registration. You'll need to complete this by a certain date, and be aware that failure to do so may result in a fine or suspension from study for that academic year.

Your institution's website should contain a step-by-step guide on how to register, whether you're an undergraduate or postgraduate student.

The registration period often begins before the start of the freshers' week activities. For example, 's online registration opens on 1 September, and you'll usually have until the end of the month to complete the process.

At Manchester, the academic registration process requires you to provide or arrange the following:

• name and address
• personal details, such as phone numbers, email addresses and emergency contacts
• other information, including your qualifications and course details
• bursary options for UK undergraduate students - see university scholarships and bursaries
• declaration and data protection to complete registration
• paying your tuition fees.

Attend meetings

You'll usually have a few important onboarding meetings scheduled either during or before freshers' week, such as:

• welcome talks with your department
• an introduction to your students' union
• induction sessions with the library, careers office and your accommodation provider.

Complete other practical tasks

It's not just student registration that's important. Registering with your local GP is a must. Hopefully, you won't need a GP for anything more serious than 'freshers' flu,' the sickness and tiredness most students experience due to a lack of sleep and a change of diet and routine, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

In addition, use your welcome week to complete other essential tasks while you're free from the responsibility of lectures.

If you're living on campus:

• discover where the library and students' union are
• find out where your teaching spaces will be
• locate local food shops
• ask about launderettes in the area - if your accommodation doesn't provide washing facilities.

If your course requires you to spend some time studying from home:

• make sure your Wi-Fi connection is sufficient
• check you have access to all the required resources
• ensure you have all the necessary equipment to complete your work.

Read more about the 10 things to do before starting university.

What is a freshers' fair and what does it involve?

Your university's freshers' fair is an event or series of events during freshers' week that allows you to discover new interests and sign up for new experiences.

For instance, you may get the opportunity to meet with:

• the students' union
• members of clubs and societies
• local employers offering student jobs.

To give you an idea of what to expect, the on Saturday 27 September 2025 features hundreds of clubs, societies and groups, in addition to more than 90 local and national businesses.

The event, which is open to new and returning students, offers:

• discounts and freebies
• food and drink
• live entertainment
• sports demos.

Where can I find out about the freshers' fair at my university?

Visit your university and students' union websites for information on where and when your freshers' fair is being held. Social media is also a good place to get information.

Be aware that these fairs may be held either during the week or over the weekend.

What are the benefits of joining a club or society?

During freshers' fairs, you'll likely be given the opportunity to sign up for clubs and societies.

There are numerous advantages to joining, including:

• making new friends
• striking a healthy balance between your personal life and your studies
• improved confidence
• increased responsibility from taking on leadership and committee roles - see student elections: why should you stand?
• having practical examples to use during a graduate job interview.

Remember that by signing up to a society during freshers' week, you're not committing to becoming a member - you'll just receive more information about what their activities involve.

Read more about the importance of extra-curricular activities and consider these 7 life skills you'll learn as a student.

How much money do I need for freshers' week?

This will depend on the activities you participate in and what's involved, but to give you a rough idea, you'll need between £100 and £300.

Students who plan to go on nights out frequently and attend a range of social events may spend more, despite the widely available promotions on entry fees and drinks.

You'll need to account for any travel costs, while other outgoings may include:

• food shopping for the week
• sports club and society membership fees
• university merchandise, such as clothing.

What freebies do you get at freshers' week?

When thinking of freshers' fairs, the first things that spring to mind are often freebies and discounts. The range of items on offer can include:

• discount vouchers or loyalty cards - local eateries, bars, nightclubs, gyms, and book stores
• essentials - calendars, bottle openers, mugs or travel card wallets
• food and drink - sweets and chocolates, soft drink bottles/cans or free pizza
• health and wellbeing products - hand sanitiser, stress balls
• phone accessories - chargers, USB sticks
• stationery - keyrings, badges, stickers, pens, notebooks, and highlighters
• tickets for local attractions and events - museums, cinemas or live music.

Get the lowdown on saving money as a student.

What about the nightlife events?

Ask most students what their favourite part of freshers' week is, and they'll tell you it's the nightlife. Freshers can experience student nights out that include:

• foam parties
• pub crawls
• silent discos
• theme nights.

Many university students' unions, along with local bars and clubs, provide wristbands that allow entry into various events happening in the city during this time.

Dedicated resources such as and also publish details of what's happening in various student cities.

Will anything be planned for those who don't drink alcohol?

Yes. Despite its boozy reputation, freshers' week provides plenty of options for those who don't like to drink alcohol.

If you're not a drinker, many freshers' weeks now include no-alcohol nights out as part of their schedule, and the majority of universities have their own sober societies.

Activities that bring together students of a similar lifestyle, who may find the stereotypical alcohol-fuelled student culture alienating, include:

• adventure pursuits such as rock climbing
• board and video game sessions
• bowling, go-karting or escape rooms
• film nights, plus cinema or theatre trips
• karaoke parties.

What if I start to feel overwhelmed?

Despite all this fun and excitement, freshers' week can get very full on. While social events are planned on every day or night of the week, you don't have to attend them all. It's a good idea to build in time for yourself during this busy schedule of events.

While some students sail through freshers' week, others will find adjusting to university life more difficult.

If you fall into the latter category, it's important to know that you won't be the only one with feelings of:

• anxiety
• homesickness
• stress.

Understand the importance of looking after your mental health.

Where can I find help and support?

If welcome week isn't working for you, don't suffer in silence. All universities have dedicated and friendly welcome teams, so talk to them if you're feeling a little lost. These teams are on hand to:

• listen without judgement
• suggest events that might work for you
• signpost you to the right people if you're in need of further support.

Freshers' week can be a stressful time if you're struggling to make friends or fit in, but this one week doesn't have to define the rest of your university experience. Once teaching starts, things usually get easier, as you'll meet coursemates and fall into a set routine.

Find out more

• Discover what to take to university.
• Benefit from these 7 time management tips for students.
• Get the lowdown on student loans and finance.