Freshers’ Week (Welcome Week) at the Penryn Campus

🎓✨ Hey future Penryners! Ready to dive into the unforgettable first few weeks at university? Let me introduce myself…

Hi! I’m Jena — a half Scottish, half French, Politics and International Relations student at the incredible Penryn Campus. As I head into my third year, I still remember my Freshers’ Week like it was yesterday… the whirlwind of meeting new faces, figuring out the campus map (spoiler: you will get lost at some point, but everyone does!), and discovering just how amazing pasties can be.

Let’s break it down into four key parts — starting with the big one:

1. Freshers’ Nights Out: Thanks to events hosted right here on Penryn Campus, your evenings during Freshers’ Week will be anything but boring. Each night brings a different theme, so come prepared to dress up and dive in – whether it’s glitter or silent disco vibes 🎶🕺.You can grab your tickets in advance (top tip: follow the University of Exeter Cornwall Instagram page for early release alerts 📲), or wait until you arrive on campus. That’s what I did! I wanted to see what my flatmates were planning first, then picked the nights that sounded the most fun… and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the week! You’ll usually be able to choose between a full-week ticket bundle or individual night tickets, so you can tailor your experience to whatever suits your style and schedule best.
2. 💛 Student Union Events: Freshers’ Week isn’t just about the big nights out;  the Students’ Union (SU) has loads going on during the day too! From arts and crafts to outdoor cinema screenings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy with a laid-back vibe. They also host sessions where you can join collectives, including spaces for BAME students, mature students, and other community groups, which is a fantastic way to find your people early on. And if clubbing isn’t really your thing (or if you’re just after a slower pace one night), the SU runs evening board game socials that are very chill and wholesome. I might be a little biased since I work as part of the SU crew, but I genuinely think these events are such a lovely way to connect with new faces. You should find an SU stall where you collect your keys for your flat on move-in weekend. Come say hi! And don’t forget to follow the SU’s Instagram to stay up to date with all the latest events and activities 📲👋.
3. Res Life: Based in Glasney Student Village, Res Life is your go-to for fun, affordable adventures and feel-good activities throughout your uni year. They host weekend trips all across Cornwall, perfect for exploring stunning beaches, coastal towns, and hidden gems without breaking the bank. Mondays bring out your creative side with arts and crafts sessions, while Tuesdays are for relaxing at the cosy Glasney Café ☕🎨. Last year, they went all out with paddleboarding and kayaking sessions down at Gylly Beach, movie nights, and yes… they even brought llamas onto campus 🦙. Whether you’re craving a chill evening or a weekend wander, there’s always something happening. They’ll be at the Freshers’ Fair too, so swing by their stall, meet the lovely team, and find out how to make the most of what they offer.
4. 📚 Your Course: This part of Freshers’ Week can vary depending on what you study, but for me, a Politics and International Relations student in the HASS department, the first week included team bonding sessions designed to help us get to know each other. Admittedly, some of it was a little cringey, but honestly, I’m glad I went. Those early laughs and awkward intros turned into real connections, and many of the people I met that day are now some of my closest friends at uni. If your course offers something similar, definitely lean into it! It’s a brilliant way to break the ice and ease into academic life alongside the people you’ll be studying and collaborating with all year.

And it doesn’t stop at societies – you’ll also find stalls from local businesses, student job opportunities, and hidden gems offering all kinds of perks. Trust me, Freshers’ Fair is an absolute must – so come explore, chat and grab some freebies.

💬 Before I wrap up, here are five tips I wish someone told me before starting Freshers’ Week — hopefully they’ll make your first days feel a little easier, and a lot more fun:

1. Get to know your flat – Your flatmates are probably the first people you’ll meet and they’ll be around you a lot, whether that’s cooking, chatting in the kitchen, or sharing random life updates at 2am. Knock on some doors, join the group chat, suggest a flat trip to the beach or do a mini food shop together. Even small gestures can go a long way in breaking the ice and creating a friendly atmosphere at home. Don’t stress if you don’t click instantly — relationships often grow over time!

2. Homesickness is normal – Whether you’ve travelled from another city or another country, feeling homesick is a completely valid part of the transition. You’re suddenly in a new place, surrounded by unfamiliar routines and people — and that’s a lot to process. But remember: you’re not alone. Many people around you are feeling the same, even if they don’t say it out loud. Be kind to yourself, call home when you need to, and know that those feelings will ease as you start building your new normal.

5. It’s okay if you don’t meet your future best friends straight away – There’s a lot of pressure to “find your people” during Freshers, and while it’s true that some friendships do form fast – others take time. So don’t panic if you haven’t found your uni soulmate by the end of week one. Friendships will grow naturally through your course, societies, and shared experiences. You’ve got three (or more) years ahead, and so much is still to come.

Whatever your Freshers’ Week looks like, just embrace it. Be curious, open, and patient with yourself. This is the beginning of something really exciting, and even the awkward moments have a way of turning into memories you’ll laugh about later. Writing this blog has reminded me just how special starting university really is and honestly, I’m a little envious of anyone about to begin that adventure all over again. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that you only get once.