How to make friends during Freshers?
Gwenno: Go to as many events as possible! Although it’s natural to not go to everything during freshers because it can be overwhelming, do your best. There will such a selection of events, and opportunities to meet with people from every background.
Alice: Attend the Undeb’s meet and greets, go to clubs’ and societies’ first socials. It can be daunting at first but it’s worth it.
Francesco: DO DO DO DO stuff, DO NOT stay home. Take the chances, try out clubs, go out, go on walks. In general the fisher doesn’t catch the fish if he’s on the M4. Ok the metaphor doesn’t really work but you get what I mean/. Do stuff
Laura: Go to as many activities and meet as many people as you can.
What are your top tips for any new students starting at Aberystwyth in September?
Gwenno: Don’t panic! In the month leading up to moving to Aber, all my nerves got the better of me. Although, there’s a strong and close community here that’s ready to support you from the second you land here.
Alice: Starting university is an upheaval, and although it can be incredibly fun, it can also be quite daunting. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Undeb’s Student advisor Molly by filling the form through this link: Contact An Advisor.
Francesco: 1) Attend your talk, they are actually (wooooowwww) useful. 2) Join clubs, see above. 3) If you are uncomfortable, or homesick. That’s ok, it’s part of leaving the nest and it’s ok to have those feelings.
Laura: Again, try to talk to as many people as you can, and definitely go to the Freshers Fair even if you don’t know if you want to join any societies or clubs yet. Although remember that it’s never too late to get to know people on your course or join a new club or society later on in the year. Don’t be put off by thinking that everyone has settled down, most people still want to make new friends!
What is your favourite Freshers memory?
Gwenno: The Freshers Sŵn gig. For the last part of the gig, the lead singer Gwilym to the middle of the crowd, and all of us, from first year to third year were dancing in a circle around him. I was big fan of the band at the time and over the moon about it!
Alice: When I went out my first night here to Freshers Icebreaker party and met Laura. Four years later, we’re still friends and we now work together as sabbatical officers!
Francesco: I met a friend’s flatmate at random cause I was in their kitchen, and at the end of the night I was with a group watching Ice Age 3 at a fferm house lol.
Laura: Probably the Freshers Closing Party – it was a fun celebration to end the week and mentally prepare for lectures and seminars to start.