Navigating Fresher’s Week as a Second or Third Year: Make the Most of It!

Fresher’s Week isn’t just for first-years! If you’re in your second or third year, you might be wondering how you can get something out of this hectic, high-energy week. The truth is, even though it’s branded as “Fresher’s Week,” there are plenty of ways for older students to dive in, make new connections, and take advantage of opportunities.

One of the biggest perks of being a non-fresher during Fresher’s Week is that you already know the ropes. You’re not scrambling to figure out where your lectures are or how to navigate the campus. Use this to your advantage! Attend some of the fresher’s events with a relaxed mindset, and maybe even help guide a few first-years through their first days at uni. It’s a great way to meet new people, offer advice, and build connections with both freshers and your fellow returning students. Plus, you get to enjoy the best parts of the week without the first-year jitters.

This week is also the perfect time to get involved in student societies. While first-years will be signing up for clubs and activities, you can take things to the next level by looking for leadership or committee roles. Whether it’s taking on a position in a society you’re passionate about or joining something new altogether, it’s a great way to enhance your experience and make your CV stand out.

Networking is another major opportunity. During Fresher’s Week, there are tons of networking events, talks, and meet-and-greets, many of which are open to all students. As a second or third year, you can make use of these events to connect with guest speakers, alumni, or potential employers. Start thinking ahead about your career, internships, or future projects, and get a head start by attending these events.

So, don’t let the “Fresher’s” label fool you—there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, join new societies, or just have some fun with new and old friends, Fresher’s Week is your chance to do it!

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I love this! I didn’t even think about how second or third years could make the most of Fresher’s Week. I’ve already been involved in a few societies, but I’ve never really gone for a leadership role. Do you have any advice on how to approach getting a committee position? And what kind of networking events would be best to attend if I’m not totally sure about my future career yet?

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Getting more involved through a leadership role in a society is such a rewarding experience. As the Workshops Officer for my Drama Society, I’ve found that committee roles really help you grow both personally and professionally. My advice for getting a committee position is to first think about what you enjoy most within your society. Do you love organizing events, managing behind-the-scenes tasks, or engaging with members? Once you know what excites you, chat with current committee members to get an idea of what their roles involve and express your interest early. Societies are always looking for enthusiastic people, and showing initiative can make a huge difference!

When it comes to running for a position, don’t be afraid to share your vision during elections. Think about how you can contribute and bring new ideas. For example, in Drama Society, I got involved with organizing workshops that catered to different interests, which helped attract more members. If you show passion for what the society could achieve, you’ll stand out.

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Wow, I’m sure I am exactly the one being fooled by the ‘freshers’ label cuz I haven’t really thought about what I would do during this week. It is surely a good idea to attend career related events in order to prepare for the future. If uni students want to find a part-time work in schools, the fresher week is also a good chance since it the very beginning of a new term. Thank you for sharing this!

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Totally agree with this! Fresher’s Week is a great way to meet new people and get involved, even if you’re not a first-year anymore. I loved going to events last year and plan to check out some again this time around. Plus, it’s the perfect chance to join a new society or even take on a bigger role!

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I’ve gone to Freshers Fair every year and I cannot recommend it enough! It’s always good to see what your university has to offer each year and what new employment options there are (plus it’s fun to get some freebies and visit friends at their societies!)

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