For many students starting college or university, Freshers Week is a highlight, and we’re looking back at those that have taken place in the county.


The week is the annual period of student orientation, lasting anywhere from four days to two weeks, where first-years are welcomed to their college or university with a variety of events, parties, and networking opportunities.

Sophie Bullen, Lana Ingram, Lewis Flanagan (top), Jack Barna and Sam Maudsley take part in a Freshers Week pub crawlSophie Bullen, Lana Ingram, Lewis Flanagan (top), Jack Barna and Sam Maudsley take part in a Freshers Week pub crawl (Image: David Hollins)
Freshers Week usually takes place just before the start of term, in order to give new students a chance to get to know their classmates and, in some cases, their new city before their studies properly start.

Barman Jack Oliver mixes Freshers Week cocktailsBarman Jack Oliver mixes Freshers Week cocktails (Image: Newsquest)
Similar to the US term ‘freshman’, first year students are often known as ‘freshers’ due to them making a ‘fresh start’ and being ‘fresh’ from school or college.
At most institutions, the events for new students usually take place over a week, thus the name ‘Freshers Week’.

Cast Theatre Company performed at the annual Freshers Fair at Furness College in BarrowCast Theatre Company performed at the annual Freshers Fair at Furness College in Barrow (Image: Newsquest)
The period is infamous in the UK for its parties and drunken nights out, but there is much more to it than just drinking.

The Freshers Fair at Lakes CollegeThe Freshers Fair at Lakes College (Image: Newsquest)
Usually, colleges and universities put on a number of events to try and encourage students to meet each other and join clubs or societies.

The Lakes College Cheer Team give a flash demonstration at their Freshers Fair in 2014 The Lakes College Cheer Team give a flash demonstration at their Freshers Fair in 2014 (Image: Newsquest)
These events, known as ‘Freshers Fairs’ are an opportunity to get some free goodies from different brands, find out about all the clubs and societies available and meet new friends. Clubs can range from the conventional to the bizarre, with examples including the ‘Quidditch Club’, ‘Chocolate Society’, and the ‘Stitch ‘n’ Bitch Society’.

Jodie Crawford (left) and Jessica Harvey at the feedback stall at Furness College's Freshers FairJodie Crawford (left) and Jessica Harvey at the feedback stall at Furness College's Freshers Fair (Image: Newsquest)

Aside from Freshers Fairs, colleges and universities will often put on more informal events including pub crawls, networking events and student quizzes.

Students Charles Peat, Amy Jones and Hayley Jago get drugs advice at the Freshers Fair at Lakes CollegeStudents Charles Peat, Amy Jones and Hayley Jago get drugs advice at the Freshers Fair at Lakes College (Image: Newsquest)
Of course, it wouldn’t be Freshers Week without a student night out. Many of the bars and clubs near colleges and universities put on special Freshers Nights during Freshers Week.
This is a great way to have fun and experience a night out with other first year students before the rest return to campus.

George Cooke and Ben Smithson on the bungee run at Carlisle College's Freshers Fair (Image: Newsquest)
Something to be wary of during Freshers Week is Freshers Flu. This cannot realistically be avoided, and most freshers experience some sort of illness during their first few weeks at college or university.