Starting your undergraduate degree at Queen Mary soon? Have dozens of questions or concerns? Some of our lovely student ambassadors have shared their experiences. Take a look below to get a taste of what your Freshers Week will be like.
Check out our undergraduate welcome page for more practical information, including term dates, enrolment guidance and more.
First year is so nice because you have so much time to make good friends...and get an idea about the kind of person you want to be in the future.
"As someone who has no interest in drinking, the Freshers period wasn’t the most exciting part of my first year. But I think the Student’s Union are getting much better at accommodating non-alcoholic events into the two week programme, and they’re encouraging more socialising events that don’t involve shouting at each other over loud music in Draper’s Bar.
"Also, getting Freshers flu is inevitable and fellow germ freaks should just accept it! Every single person in their lectures by the end of week 1 will be sneezing and coughing every 10 seconds.
"What I liked most about my first weeks here was getting to know people on my course and becoming a course rep. I felt like I was learning how to be more social and I really feel like I made a difference on my course.
"And for anyone scared about their first year at university, I'd want them to know that first year is so nice because you have so much time to make good friends, get involved in Union activities and societies and get an idea about the kind of person you want to be in the future."
Don’t be afraid to take up something you haven’t done or heard of – other people will be in exactly the same boat.
“Going to university is an incredibly exciting time – but don’t worry if you feel anxious – it’s completely normal when you’re about to embark on three, four, or even five years of study (looking at you – medics and dentists!). So while you 100% should enjoy yourself, especially in the first fortnight, don’t feel bad about taking a few nights just to get your bits together and relax.
“For the love of God – do not spend all of your student loan in Freshers week - my flatmate did and it’s an awful long time to be living on noodles for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Your flatmates will help you out, but it’s not a great first impression to knock on a flatmate’s door tiddly and hungry.
“Freshers Fair is a really good time to meet people and is the point in the year where societies are most active, so it’s a great opportunity to learn new skills and sports too. Don’t be afraid to take up something you haven’t done or heard of – other people will be in exactly the same boat.”
First year went great, I've just become President of the Chemistry Society.
"My first two weeks were terrible. Terrible because I missed an important induction lecture, and I felt like I was so lost. Fortunately the staff and students were very friendly and so in no time I managed to get on track. First year went great, I've just become President of the Chemistry Society."