Lola Cook, a 19-year-old first-year drama student, is eagerly anticipating the start of her studies at Manchester University, regardless of what the freshers’ experience may look like. "I’m just thrilled to leave home," she declares. "While the current situation has compelled everyone to stay with their families for many months, people are desperate to break free. I’m determined to make the most of whatever opportunities come my way."
Others, however, are less sanguine. "The freshers’ page on our university’s Facebook site is very dull, and I’m not sure what to expect," complains Emma Bridge, an 18-year-old business student. "While it’s prudent to hold many events online, in terms of getting to know people during the initial few weeks, it feels like our options will be limited."
Freshers’ week will be unlike anything seen before this year, and the experience will differ widely from one institution to the next. Many universities, including Stirling, Cardiff, and Bath Spa, are imposing a new COVID community pledge or code of conduct for students because of ongoing local lockdowns. University College London is banning students from having parties or overnight stays at other people’s accommodations. In Nottingham, universities are collaborating with local law enforcement authorities, including the police.
"The running of all freshers’ week events and the organization of pub crawls is obviously out of the question," notes Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute. "The last thing universities want is for their town to undergo a lockdown because of their students. They also want to avoid upsetting local communities."
However, those on the ground insist that there’s no reason to panic. In Scotland, where several freshers’ events have already happened, many newcomers claim to be having a great time, despite the restrictions on large gatherings and loud music. "You book events and must have a defined group, but flatmates or course classmates work well," says Sophie Gunneberg, a first-year Glasgow University student. "Everyone is finding their niche."
Promoters, too, say that they’re providing the closest they can to clubbing experiences. "We’re collaborating with well-known eateries so guests can utilize an app to order drinks and food, which are then delivered to their tables," says Nick Checketts, a promoter in Edinburgh. "If you’re coming in a group of six, we want to make it your party. You can use the app to interact with other tables and have some light-hearted banter."
Similar plans are in place in Glasgow. "We’ve got one of the largest open-air spaces in the city, a 10-meter LED screen showing sports events from Thursday to Sunday, a BBQ, and craft beers," says local promoter Brian Traynor. "We’ve made a smashing start, and there’s a terrific atmosphere."
Although pubs, bars, and restaurants throughout England will have to close by 10 PM on Thursday, Checketts believes that house parties within residential bubbles will gain in popularity. "More students will throw flat parties, and it’s also more economical that way," he suggests.
Student unions are striving to ensure that everyone has the best possible university debut. Kayleigh Malone, vice-president of community at the University of Hertfordshire, states that they’ll have a month-long blended program. They’re giving free society memberships to encourage students to experiment, and they’re hosting virtual meetings and coffee mornings. "Various facilities are still open, such as the sports village, so people can still exercise and take care of themselves," she points out.
King’s College London is taking a digital-first approach. Salma Hussain, the students’ union president, believes that this technique will help new entrants meet people from various backgrounds. "Students are frequently discouraged from attending events owing to lengthy travel times or fears of exclusion, so if you don’t feel like going, it’s far simpler to participate from home," she explains. "Student bars and cafés will be open so you can come to the campus and grab a coffee and pizza, but you’ll need to book ahead."
While many may feel disappointed, some believe that a subdued experience for freshers has been expected for some time. "There have been significant changes in recent years, with less focus on events that center around alcohol," says Tim Bale, a politics professor at Queen Mary University of London. He notes that this shift is not solely due to changes in behavior but also reflects the growing diversity of the student population, as alcohol-heavy events can be isolating and off-putting for some.
For student Jess Cook, this development may be a silver lining. "For me, the forced fun that is often associated with binge drinking has always felt awkward. Many of my friends who started university last year were emotional wrecks by the end of the first week, feeling homesick and hungover," she shares. "While it’s unfortunate that we won’t be able to make friends in bars and clubs, the likelihood of making lifelong connections there is low. We’ll just have to find other ways to connect with people."
Tips for a successful university experience include researching available events and activities before arrival, utilizing social media to connect with like-minded individuals, proactively seeking out opportunities for connection and community-building, and initiating conversations with fellow students once on campus. Remember that everyone is in the same boat and eager to make friends.
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