Freshers' Myths Debunked
Starting university comes with plenty of excitement and even more advice. From social media to films and stories from older siblings, you've probably heard all sorts of things about what university is "supposed" to be like.
The truth? A lot of it is just myth.
Let's separate fact from fiction before you arrive.
Myth 1: Everyone Makes Their Best Friends in Welcome Week
This is probably the biggest university myth of them all.
Yes, some people do meet lifelong friends during Welcome Week, but plenty don't. You might become close with someone you sit next to in a lecture six weeks into term, a housemate in second year, or someone you meet through a society months after arriving.
Friendships take time, so don't panic if you haven't found your people by the end of your first week.
Myth 2: You Have to Go Out Every Night
Welcome Week often has a reputation for late nights and packed social calendars, but that's only one version of the experience.
There are usually loads of daytime activities too, from campus tours and craft sessions to sports tasters, coffee mornings and society events.
Whether you love a night out, prefer quieter activities, or enjoy a bit of both, there's no right way to spend your first week.
Myth 3: Everyone Else Knows What They're Doing
Spoiler alert: they don't.
Most new students are trying to work out where their lectures are, how to use the washing machines, what half the university jargon means and whether they're supposed to introduce themselves to everyone they meet.
Confidence can be surprisingly convincing. Just because someone looks like they've got it all together doesn't mean they actually do.
Myth 4: If You Don't Join a Society Straight Away, You've Missed Your Chance
Not true.
While Welcome Week is a great opportunity to explore clubs and societies, you can usually join throughout the year.
It's completely fine to take your time and work out what interests you once you've settled into university life.
Myth 5: University Is Just One Long Party
University can be fun, but it's also real life.
You'll have lectures, assignments, part-time jobs, food shopping, laundry, budgeting and plenty of deadlines alongside the social side.
Finding a balance between studying, making friends and looking after yourself is what university is really about.
Myth 6: Everyone Loves Their Course Immediately
Starting a new course can feel like a big adjustment.
The teaching style is different, the workload is often higher than school or college, and it can take a few weeks to find your rhythm.
It's perfectly normal if you don't fall in love with every lecture straight away. Give yourself time to settle before deciding how you feel.
Myth 7: Homesickness Means You've Made the Wrong Choice
Missing home is one of the most common experiences for new students.
You can be excited about university and still miss your family, friends, pets or your favourite takeaway.
Homesickness doesn't mean you've chosen the wrong university. It simply means you're adjusting to a big life change, and for most students, those feelings become easier to manage over time.
Myth 8: You Need to Have Everything Figured Out
You don't need to know your career path, have your five-year plan mapped out or instantly become an independent adult.
University is a place to learn—not just academically, but personally too.
It's where you'll discover new interests, build confidence, make mistakes, change your mind and grow along the way.
The Reality?
There's no single "correct" university experience.
Some students arrive knowing loads of people. Others don't know anyone. Some love every minute of Welcome Week, while others take a little longer to settle. Both experiences are completely valid.
Try not to compare your journey to someone else's.
University isn't about having the perfect first week: it's about finding your own place, at your own pace.