Freshers’ week during a global pandemic – what was it REALLY like?

10 pm curfews, the rule of six and face masks being made mandatory indoors are just a few things that make us less late for our lectures these days! 

Freshers’ week is what every University student looks forward to, and even though this year’s freshers is completely different, I have tried to make the most out of every opportunity. 

Due to nightclubs being shut since the end of March, most freshers’ events have been held in bars or as sit-down sessions in clubs, meaning nights out have been a lot more expensive – with bar prices being significantly higher than if you were in a club. 

It has been much more challenging to make friends in the current climate. This is where social media has been essential; the students on my course made a Facebook group chat before starting University so we could all get to know each other, although admittedly in a very new and foreign way. 

Reaching out and messaging new people has been the forefront of this year’s freshers’. I have grown in confidence massively with instigating conversations with new faces; this has been a great help in forming and maintaining these new friendships, which I have been lucky enough to gain.  

The freshers’ fair is another popular event amongst first years, and even though this event followed the latest government restrictions, it still felt the closest to the “new normal” we’ve been hearing about so often, or as normal as it could have possibly been.  

That is one perk of being a first-year – because everything is new, we have nothing to compare our university experience to, apart from what we have glimpsed from previous years. Therefore, events such as the freshers’ fair were not too different, excluding the fact we were all wearing masks.

Personally, I already knew what societies I wanted to join, so I headed straight to those stands. Covid safety measures were in place, but the whole experience was still enjoyable as it served its primary purpose – it was a chance to see what societies were on offer. 

However, the restrictions have put a stop to social events with societies, making it difficult to get to know other members. Microsoft Teams calls have been a blessing to resolve this issue, but a Teams meeting does not compare to a night out with your society, or with the friends you’ve made. 

I moved into student accommodation for my first year – ironically into a flat of seven with the rule of six still in place. I am so thankful that I have flatmates who I get along with, and that we can spend time together as a flat – mainly since we have so much of this downtime with the government restrictions. We have done movie nights, drinks and played card games in our shared kitchen. 

Moving into my accommodation, we were only allowed one person to help us in the hours’ time slot we were issued. These restrictions were frustrating, as it was a rush to move in, and I was flustered with my mask on walking up four flights of stairs with all my belongings.

Overall, freshers’ week has still been great fun. The concept of even just being at University, living away from home and meeting new people is exciting enough, especially for those of us who have nothing to compare it to. 

We all knew this year was not going to be what we expected, but nevertheless, it has been a memorable start to the year that has already made history. 

Written by Shannon Samecki

Feature image credit: @punttim – Unsplash