Starting university is an exciting, albeit nerve-wracking, time in anyone’s life. Among the whirlwind of moving into halls, meeting new people, and getting to grips with your course, one event stands out as the unofficial kick-off to your university experience: Freshers’ Fayre. This annual event is your gateway to everything that Swansea University life has to offer outside the classroom. Whether you’re eager to join a SU sports team, start a new hobby, or just collect as many freebies as possible, Freshers’ Fayre has something for everyone. Here’s how to make the most of it.
What Is Freshers’?
Freshers’ Fayre, sometimes called Freshers’ Fair, is an annual event held by Swansea, and other universities, at the beginning of the academic year. It’s designed to introduce new students – “freshers” – to the wide range of clubs, societies, and services available on our campuses. Picture a bustling marketplace where each stall represents a different student group or sports team. The energy is infectious, and it’s the perfect opportunity to explore your interests and maybe even discover new ones!
Preparing for the Day
- Do Your Research: Before the event, it’s a good idea to have a look at our student union website or social media pages to get an idea of the clubs and societies that will be there. This way, you can prioritize the ones you’re most interested in visiting.
- Dress Comfortably: Freshers’ Fayre can be a long one or two days of walking around and chatting with people, so wear something comfortable. A backpack is also handy for carrying all the freebies and leaflets you’ll inevitably collect – you might be lucky enough to bag yourself some Swansea Bay Sports Park branded goodies!
- Bring a Friend: If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, bring along a flatmate or course mate. It’s always nice to have someone to share the experience with and to bounce ideas off as you explore all the different stalls.
What to Expect
- Society and Club Stalls: The main attraction at Freshers’ Fayre is the array of societies and clubs. Whether you’re into sports, arts, gaming, politics, or something more niche, you’re bound to find something that piques your interest. Don’t be afraid to chat with the student union reps – they’re usually students just like you, eager to recruit new members.
- Local Businesses and Freebies: Alongside the student groups, local businesses set up stalls offering everything from food samples to discount vouchers. This is a great way to discover local eateries, shops, and services. Plus, who doesn’t love free stuff? Just don’t let the freebies distract you from the main goal: finding activities and communities that will enhance your university life.
- Competitions and Giveaways: Many stalls run competitions or giveaways, with prizes ranging from vouchers to gadgets. You might spot a colourful wheel somewhere… Enter as many as you can – you never know, you might just win something cool!
How to Make the Most of It
- Sign Up, But Don’t Overcommit: It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and sign up for everything. While it’s great to be enthusiastic, remember that you only have so much time in a week. Prioritize the societies and clubs that truly interest you and remember that you can always join more later.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask stallholders about what their society or club actually does. How often do they meet? What kind of events do they organize? What’s the membership fee? Getting this information upfront will help you make informed decisions. We also recommend asking or searching for the clubs’ accounts on social media as they’ll be really active with uploading content over the course of Freshers week.
- Network and Socialize: Freshers’ Fayre is also a fantastic opportunity to meet people. Whether it’s other freshers or society leaders, making connections early on can enrich your university experience. Be open to striking up conversations – everyone is in the same boat, looking to make friends and get involved.
After the Fayre: Next Steps
Once Freshers is over, take some time to go through all the leaflets and information you’ve collected. Prioritize the societies and clubs that stood out to you and consider attending their first meetings or taster sessions. These initial events are a great way to get a feel for the group before fully committing.
Freshers’ Fayre is more than just a fun day out—it’s your first big step into university life beyond the lecture halls. With a bit of preparation and an open mind, it can be the start of some of your most memorable university experiences. So, dive in, explore everything on offer, and most importantly, enjoy yourself!
If you’re joining Swansea University and are interested in becoming a gym member, our student gym memberships are only £16 per month.
