Hi! I’m Emily a first-year student studying BA Modern Languages on Streatham Campus. I’m originally from Stafford, and just like you probably are now if you’re about to start uni, last summer I was full of nerves, excitement, and a lot of questions before I arrived for Freshers’ Week. What will it be like? Will I make friends? How do I sign up for things? How many clothes do I actually need to bring?
This blog aims to help ease some of those pre-uni nerves and to give you a proper inside look at what to expect from Welcome Week (Freshers’ Week) at Exeter – the highlights, the helpful tips, the unexpected moments, and all the little things I wish I’d known when I first arrived. Whether you’re coming from another part of the UK or joining us from abroad, Welcome Week is such an important (and fun!) part of your uni journey, and I’m here to help you make the most of it.
Top tips for when you first arrive!
The good news is that from the moment you arrive on campus, there are loads of friendly student ambassadors in bright t-shirts, plenty of signs, and clear instructions about where to go and what to do. You’ll be directed to check-in points, shown where to collect your keys, and helped with getting to your accommodation if you need it. Once you’ve made it to your new flat, one of the best things you can do is unpack straight away. I know it’s tempting to shove everything under the bed and deal with it later, but taking the time to properly settle in – putting up photos, unpacking clothes, maybe adding a plant or two – can make your room feel like your space really quickly, which helps the whole transition feel a little less overwhelming. When you’re done unpacking, make an effort to spend time in the kitchen or communal area, even just hovering with a cup of tea. Leave your door open too – it might feel awkward at first, but it genuinely makes it easier to bump into your flatmates and start chatting. Everyone’s in the same situation, wanting to meet people and settle in, so those small efforts really go a long way.
What to do during Welcome Week
One of the first things you’ll notice during Welcome Week is that there are no lectures or seminars. The entire week is built around giving you time to settle in, meet people, and start finding your place here. The campus is buzzing, with stands offering free food, music playing, society taster sessions, and a general sense that something exciting is always happening nearby. It can be a little overwhelming at first, especially if you’re someone who likes to ease into new situations quietly. But don’t worry, there’s something for everyone and you can take the whole experience at your own pace and do as much or as little as you want!
The Forum, which is the main building on campus, becomes a central hub of activity during Welcome Week. You’ll probably visit it every day for one reason or another. Whether you’re grabbing coffee from Pret, a carton of milk from Marketplace, picking up freebies from one of the information stands, or attending the Freshers’ Fair, you’ll quickly realise how important this building is. The Freshers’ Fair in particular, was a major highlight for me. It’s where all the societies and sports teams set up stands so you can meet current members, ask questions, and sign up for taster sessions. There are so many options, from academic societies linked to your course, to niche interests like a hide and seek society! Don’t be afraid to sign up for too many things – most people do! It doesn’t mean you’re committing long-term. The taster sessions are a great way to meet people and try new things without any pressure, as they are completely free.
Making friends at uni
Meeting people is probably the part that makes most students feel anxious before starting uni, and that’s totally normal. Making friends in a brand-new place can feel daunting, but the good news is that everyone is in the same boat. One of the best ways to break the ice is to simply attend events – and societies are a perfect place to start. You don’t need to be super outgoing or the loudest in the room; sometimes just showing up is enough. I found that going to society events, even when I was a bit nervous, gave me natural conversation starters and a space to connect with people over shared interests. Whether it was trying out for a social netball team or showing up to an art event, just being in the room was the first step. I ended up sticking with three societies long-term, but I also made a few good friends just by chatting to people at taster sessions who were also trying something new.
After Welcome Week is over, the best way to meet people is by making sure you attend lectures and particularly seminars – these smaller cohorts usually involve group tasks and working together which is another brilliant opportunity to meet people. During the first week or two of actual teaching, seminars are often less formal and more about getting to know your classmates and tutors. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to you before class starts or to suggest grabbing a coffee after. These small moments add up and often lead to longer-term friendships. You’ll be surprised how many people are relieved when someone else makes the first move.
Of course, it’s worth mentioning that friendships don’t always form instantly, and you’ll meet so many people in Freshers’ Week that you never talk to again. There’s sometimes a lot of internal pressure to find your “people” right away, but in reality, many friendships grow gradually and unexpectedly. I didn’t meet one of my closest friends until my second term, through a group project. So don’t panic if you’re not best friends with your flatmates or if you leave an event feeling a bit awkward. That’s all part of the process. Just keep showing up, keep being open, and keep saying yes to opportunities – that’s the best advice I can give.
Exploring the campus and city
Getting familiar with the campus early on is also really important, both practically and socially. Streatham Campus is absolutely beautiful – full of green spaces, hidden gardens, and woodland walks. Take time during Welcome Week to explore it properly. Learn where your lecture halls are, where the library is, and where you can grab food between classes. The Forum, as I mentioned earlier, is a major student hub and includes everything from the main library to tech support, shops, study spaces, and the Students’ Guild. Other useful spots include the St Luke’s Campus (your main base if you’re doing a medical or sports-related degree), the Ram Bar, and the Sports Park (where you can find the main University gym) if you’re into fitness.
But don’t just stop at the campus. Getting to know the city of Exeter itself can make your university experience feel much fuller. It’s such a walkable city, and there are loads of lovely areas to explore. The Quay is one of my personal favourites – a scenic riverside spot perfect for relaxed walks, or a quiet coffee with new friends. It’s got vintage shops, independent cafés, and places to hire a paddleboard if you’re feeling adventurous. I went there a lot during my first term, especially when I needed a breather from the busyness of campus life and whilst the weather is still quite warm. Other great spots include Gandy Street, which feels like something out of a storybook with its quirky shops and colourful storefronts, and the Exeter Cathedral Green, which is overlooked by lots of great places to eat. You’ll also find plenty of student-friendly pubs, cafés, and restaurants dotted around the city centre, many of which offer discounts or deals if you show your student ID.
Making a routine that works for you
Another tip that really helped me settle in was getting into a bit of a routine early on. Even during Welcome Week, it’s easy to lose track of time and sleep in til midday everyday after being out all night. This is fine for a few days, but balance is key! Make sure that you are also taking time for yourself to rest, get things done and make time to do day-to-day tasks, otherwise you may be overwhelmed when they start to catch up with you. By having small routines like setting a time to cook dinner with your flat or do work, it may help you to feel like you have a structure, and this could help make the adjustment to uni life a little easier. Plus, you’ll often bump into the same people doing the same thing, which naturally leads to conversations.
Final top tip
A final top tip I wish I’d have known before I came is to download the Fixr app – trust me on this one! Exeter is a bit unique in that most events , including festivals and club nights, require you to buy tickets through this app before you get there, and lots don’t give you the option to buy tickets on the door. This is also the case for the main club in Exeter – Timepiece (or TP as everyone calls it). Tickets release at a set time each week and they usually sell out fast, so by making sure you already have the app, you’ve got more chance of getting tickets to events and nights out so you can avoid missing out. Also, it’s worth following any societies you’re interested in on social media before you arrive, because this is where all the socials, trials and events are usually posted.
A last reminder- everyone is in the same boat!
I know this blog has covered a lot: events, societies, exploring campus, getting to know the city, and making friends and you might be feeling a little overwhelmed just reading it. But the most important thing to remember is that Welcome Week isn’t a race, and it’s definitely not the be-all and end-all of university life. You’re not expected to do everything at once. Some people thrive on being busy every day of the week, while others take a slower approach, and both are completely okay.
It’s also worth saying: if you’re joining the University a bit later (for example, as an international student arriving after Welcome Week), please don’t feel like you’ve missed your chance to get involved or make friends. You absolutely haven’t. There are so many opportunities throughout the term (and the whole year, really) to meet new people, join societies, attend events and settle in at your own pace. Most societies continue to welcome new members after the first few weeks, and there are regular socials, study groups, and casual events happening all the time. It’s never too late to join in.
Settling into university life is a process – not something you have to figure out in one week. So, take a deep breath, go at your own pace, and remember that everyone around you is figuring it out too!