The important thing about University is nothing specific: it's not getting your degree, or meeting people or being found naked in Norwich at 3am- it's about experiences in the broadest sense. Whatever that means to you, make sure you fill your time with experiences that you will always be able to look back on with a distant look, a smile and an 'Aaah'. Freshers' week is of course one of those periods in life that you hear so much about, and this could lead you to fear an anti-climax. Fret not however, as Freshers' week will be so full of bizarre goings on (and at least one evening that will be referred to throughout your career at York) that you can rest assured you will have a great time. However, things can always be made better, and with a little foresight and preparation you can make sure that you are a step ahead of everyone else while you revel yourself into University life. The first person in your flat who ever worked out how to get onto the covered walk-ways and the first person who ever discovered that your room key works in other doors in your block is always noted. Get yourself thinking about these now, and you'll be ready to ascend into a legendary status. Equally, no one forgets the guy who turns up on the first day wearing a suit, but I'd warn you off that if you don't want to be known as 'suit-guy' for the next few years. You could of course try alternative experiences during Freshers' Week: doing it sober, taking part by telephone conference from your room, or pretending to be someone else for the whole week (Jason, 19, from Barnstable; studying History) so that you save making friends for when you've had a little more time to judge the people around you. Back to the Freshers' Week Survival Pack If you've been inspired by Robbie's words of wisdom and think you could hack it as a student diarist, find out more here. | 
