Advice for Freshers!

Work

You are likely to be set work for the 1st week of term during Freshers’ week (which officially is called 0th week). This might seem annoying as it is different to your friends at other universities, but it really isn’t too bad. It’s good to get cracking on the work you genuinely will find interesting, and we promise you you’ll get to do all of the brilliant, more conventionally ‘fun’ stuff a good Freshers’ week should offer too. The key warning here is that you probably will find the work set hard – but don’t panic!


1) It’s meant to be challenging
2) Everyone else will be finding it difficult too
3) Previous generations of Freshers have gone through the same thing
4) Your tutors don’t expect you to hand in a world-changing proof or idea!


Your subject reps are there to answer any questions you have about work, especially during Freshers' Week, and when you meet the 2nd/3rd years at Subject Drinks, they will all be willing to help and support you with work. As with everything in Freshers’ week, if you’re having any problems or worries, don’t hesitate in contacting one or more of the Freshers' committee/your college parents/subject reps/second years doing your subject/the welfare reps/one of the hundreds of other supporters available in college.

Other bits and bobs

Finally, make sure you realise that, although a brilliant introduction to Jesus College, Freshers’ week will not determine the rest of your life. It’s an important week for getting to know Oxford and new people, but you shouldn’t think that it’s the most important week of your life, and please don’t feel that you need be on top form the whole time. If something goes a bit wrong, no worries. It's ok to relax and take time for yourself during the week too! The week is just the first of many amazing weeks you have ahead of you at Oxford.

Also, really don’t panic about finding a ‘best friend’ during Freshers’ week. Even though some people were best friends from day one, more commonly closer friendships establish later in the year. Another great aspect about Jesus College is the year size, as well as having your close friends, you will also find that you will come to know most people in your year. So don’t feel like you are wasting your time in Freshers’ week if you are talking to people that you might not consider as your life long best friends, because as Jesus is such a friendly place, you are likely to mingle with everyone in Hall or on the Quad throughout your time as an undergrad and beyond.

​Another piece of advice, exchange phone numbers or social medias when you meet people. It means that if you have some spare time in Freshers’ Week and want to know what your friends are doing, they are easier to contact.

Remember, everyone’s in the same boat, so be brave, and introduce yourself!

Top Tips

  1. Only do whatever you’re comfortable with. So don’t down half a bottle of vodka because you get dared to, it won't go well...

  2. If you are feeling tired out and just want to go to bed, do it. There is no point in stressing yourself out for other people’s sake.

  3. If you're feeling down, speak to someone- your friends old and new or call your parents or support systems in the JCR - they tend to make things better :)

  4. ​Always keep yourself safe and alert, look at our welfare safety tips for how to get home safe if it’s dark

  5. Everything is new to everyone in fresher’s week- don’t be afraid to try something new! Look at our sports and clubs under social life

Get to know the area

  • Getting to Know Oxford: a compilation of the many pubs, clubs, libraries and food/coffee spots in Oxford!