Everything You Need to Know About Freshers` Fairs

Got a freshers' fair coming up? Here's everything you need to know 👇

Whether you're a university newbie or final year student, freshers' fairs are a must-do at the start of every term. While you're there, make sure to tick these things off to make the most of those freebies.

What IS a freshers’ fair? 👀

Freshers’ fairs are the go-to event for finding out everything you need to know about your university. They give you a one-stop-shop for finding out about what your Students’ Union has to offer, including information on sports clubs, societies, and volunteering opportunities.

Traditionally, these freshers’ fairs host an incredible collection of stalls, from student accommodation providers to food stalls (hello free Domino’s!). Heading down to your freshers’ fair is the best way to get familiar with student life at your university. From meeting other students to signing up to sports clubs, there’s a bunch to get involved with from day one.

Freshers’ fairs aren’t just for freshers either. Returning students often head down to explore new societies and get familiar with the new term.

When is your freshers’ fair? ⏰

Most freshers’ fairs happen for a day during your university’s freshers’ week. They’re usually hosted at the Students’ Union in collaboration with the university. Your SU’s website will have all the details!

Who will be there and what can you do? 💸

From giveaways and competitions to information on your new fave society, freshers’ fairs are jam-packed with activities to take part in. Your freshers’ fair will host a whole bunch of student-friendly companies – like nearby restaurants and businesses – who’ll be giving away freebies for you to get your hands on. There’ll be local letting agents there with information on finding a student house in second year, bars and clubs giving away discount codes, and big-name brands with a bunch of freebies.

Freshers’ fairs usually have stalls from most clubs, societies and sports teams at your university. This offers you a chance to get to know which areas of the SU you might want to get involved with. You’ll be able to sign up to find out more information, and ask any questions you might have to current members.

Your university will be there with all the information you need to make the most of your life as a student. There will be food and drink, live entertainment and music across the board – so it’s deffo worth heading down for an hour or two!

6 things you should do at your freshers’ fair 👇

We’ve wrapped up some must-dos for your freshers’ fair so you can make the most of it.

1. Go with a friend 👯‍♀️

Freshers’ fairs can be pretty full-on, so it’ll help if you have a friend to bounce off when you go. Grab your flatmate or a newfound pal, and head down early doors (the earlier you go, the more there will be to explore!). If your mates are busy, there’ll be plenty of opportunity to make friends while you’re there if you’re willing to start up a conversation.

Going with a pal means you’re probably more likely to get involved, and you might pick up on things you would have missed otherwise. However, it’s not a good idea to go with too many people – you’ll be too worried about finding your mates to get stuck in.

2. Grab as many freebies as you can 💰

From free pizza to drinks vouchers at the local student hangout, the freebies at freshers’ fairs are legendary. You’re bound to leave with enough stationary to last your student lifetime, and you’ll save HUNDREDS with the potential discount vouchers that are being given away. Even if you can only spare a few minutes, it’s worth showing your face JUST for the free pizza vouchers 🍕

3. Make notes ✍️

Even if it’s just on your phone, making notes is worth its weight in gold. From which societies have caught your eye to which letting agents have the best student homes, keeping a list of things you need to remember will help your future self out.

4. Sign up to societies and clubs ⚽️

Now-a-days, universities are PACKED with unusual clubs, quirky societies and welcoming sports teams, so there’s bound to be something to suit your style. Getting involved with a society can create a whole new group of mates while you’re at uni, as well as provide a memorable experience while you study.

Don’t be afraid to go overboard and sign up for absolutely everything – you don’t need to commit to joining, but you’ll receive more information on how to get involved.

5. Have an open mind 🤩

Your freshers’ fair will be one of the first experiences you have as a new student, and so you might initially feel pretty reserved to putting yourself out there. Going in with an open mind could mean you sign up to a society, club or sports team that makes your university experience a million times better – so try and get involved with as much as you can. You can never be too prepared 🥳

6. Get talking 👋

There will be thousands of students in the same boat as you during freshers’ week, so make the most of this and get talking to as many people as you can. Who knows, you might just meet your new best friend 👯‍♀️

Want to make the most of your freshers' week? Check out our blog with everything you need to know.