Freshers’ week is a time for making new friends, getting to grips with your courses and new University.

Here are seven tips.

1. Get to know your town
The sooner you get to know your new University town the more enjoyment you will get out of it. Unions or halls reps will often organise trips to the best student bars but you can always ask ‘the locals’ and older students. You’ll want to know where the best bargain shops are located, which will save you a fortune in the long run.

2. Join the Club
Getting to know new people can be the hardest thing about going to University and one way, besides bar crawls, is to join a social club or society. It’s a win-win: Meet new friends, gain skills and hobbies.

3. You shall go to the ball
The freshers’ ball should be a major part of your first year where everyone will be hanging out and partying. It’s an ideal time to make friends, bond with flat mates and get to know fellow course students.

4. Don’t forget to read
Check with your tutors what the ‘must-have’ books are for your course, so you know what you’ll be studying. Use the library for the most expensive books if you can.

5. Don’t overdo it!
Don’t become a victim of fresher’s flu which can become widespread at Uni. Although it’s all too easy to get swept along with the fun and frolics of your first term, too many nights out will affect your immune system and grind you down.

6. Sign up to the doc
Take the time to sign up to a doctor in your new town. You don’t want to be in the position of having to look around if you get ill. You can search the NHS website for your nearest GP.

7. Open your mind
Keep an open mind when meeting fellow students; you never know who your friends will turn out to be. You can also use this new period in your life to try new stuff. University is a time to try new things and activities.