When Is Freshers' Week 2024: Everything You Need To Know

Off to university and wondering when Freshers' Week 2024 falls?

University marks the beginning of a new chapter in every student’s life - one filled with challenges, personal growth and plenty of socialising. But before you’re hit with essay deadlines and weekly reading, one of the most exciting periods for new students is Freshers’ Week. 

If you’re wondering what exactly Freshers’ Week entails and when it’s due to fall this academic year, stay tuned… 

What is Freshers’ Week?

Freshers’ Week is a welcome period for new students starting university in the UK, helping you to adjust to your new town/course and providing the opportunity to meet new people, make friends and get familiar with your campus. 

Despite its name, Freshers’ Week - or ‘Welcome Week’ as it’s also known - often lasts longer than just one week and instead usually lasts for two to three weeks, giving you the chance to settle in. 

When is Freshers’ Week 2024?

The exact dates of Freshers’ Week can vary depending on your university, but it generally falls towards the end of September or in some cases early October. To find out the specific dates for Freshers’ Week 2024 for your university, you can visit their website or contact Student Services.

How long is Freshers’?

As mentioned, despite being called ‘Freshers’ Week’ or ‘Welcome Week’, this period usually spans over at least a couple of weeks. You can expect plenty of fun socials during this time, as well as welcome talks, introductory lectures and more.

Is Freshers’ compulsory?

Your university’s ‘Welcome Week’ is likely to be compulsory for you to attend as this is when you’ll go to introductory lectures and seminars and will typically be given course deadlines and dates for exam season.

The social events that come along with Freshers’ Week are not compulsory, but that being said, we’d highly recommend that you do get involved in at least some of the social events on offer as this can be a crucial time for new students to meet and socialise with new people, whether that’s people on your course, your flatmates, or people in societies you may wish to join. 

Is Freshers’ Week only for first years?

While Freshers’ Week is primarily designed for first year students to help them adjust to university life, many second and third year students will also attend Freshers’ social events such as specific Freshers’-themed club nights. 

Some events may be exclusively for first year students, but on the whole you can expect students from all year groups to go out during Freshers’ Week. 

What happens during Freshers' Week?

Freshers Week is a whirlwind of activities, events and social gatherings. Here are some things you can expect during this welcome period… 

Welcome talks: 

Your university will likely kick off the week with welcome talks and orientation sessions to provide you with essential information about your course structure, student services and campus facilities.

Social events: 

Freshers' Week is renowned for being a time packed full of social events for students - expect everything from foam parties to barbecues and themed nights both on and off campus. It's an excellent opportunity to meet new people and start building friendships.

Local nightclubs and bars will host specific events for Freshers’ Week, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for fun nights that appeal to you. Look out for any Freshers’ Facebook groups created for your university as well as websites such as Skiddle, Fatsoma and Eventbrite to see social events taking place for freshers in your uni city.

Even if you're not big on clubbing or drinking alcohol, there will be plenty of social gatherings for you! From crafty events to society tasters, you certainly won't be short of options.

Don't forget to take our new personality quiz to find your TOTUM Tribe and get the deals and discounts just for you:

Clubs and societies fair: 

Most universities have a wide range of clubs and societies for students to join. During Freshers' Week, you'll often find that your university hosts a Freshers' Fair where you can learn about these groups and sign up for those that interest you.

Freebies and discounts:

Freshers' is a great time to bag yourself some freebies, with Freshers' Fairs usually consisting of brand merchandise and free goodies for students!

In recent years, students have managed to get their hands on everything from free slices of Domino's pizza to hangover kits.

And remember, when it comes to student discount, this is something you can enjoy throughout your entire time at university, not just freshers'! With a TOTUM membership, you'll get exclusive discount from the likes of Boots as well as hundreds of other leading brands and retailers such as ASOS, Cult Beauty, Apple, Samsung and more...

Campus tours:

Finally, campus tours can be a super handy way to get your bearings and quickly learn how to navigate your new environment! Your university will likely advertise when these tours will take place, so make sure to attend to avoid getting lost on your way to your first lecture...