Freshers' Week: A Guide for International Students in the UK

Freshers' Week typically takes place the week before or the first week of the academic term, usually in mid-to-late September for the main intake, before formal teaching begins.

No formal attendance is required, but Freshers' Week is when most students build their first friendships and learn key practical information, so attending at least some events — academic and social — is strongly recommended.

The Freshers' Fair is an event, usually held in a large campus venue, where student societies, sports clubs, and local businesses set up stalls so new students can browse and sign up for activities and memberships.

Yes, very common — the combination of a new environment, heavy socialising, and practical admin (banking, GP registration, timetables) is a lot to process at once. Pacing yourself and choosing selectively which events to attend is a reasonable approach.

Most students find it valuable for immediate community and support, especially in the first weeks. Many also find it helpful to join at least one non-Nepali society to build a broader UK social network alongside it.

It's strongly recommended to register with a local GP as early as possible after arrival, ideally during Freshers' Week, so you're already registered if you need medical care later.

This is common at many UK universities, but it's completely normal and accepted to skip or limit attendance at these specific events while still engaging with academic societies, sports clubs, or daytime social activities.

Yes — while Freshers' Week is a concentrated opportunity, UK universities have ongoing society activities, course-based group work, and social events throughout the year, so missing the first week doesn't close off future friendship-building opportunities.