Your Guide to a Fun (and Safe) Freshers Week

Freshers Week is like the opening credits to your university life — exciting, chaotic, a little unpredictable, and full of new faces. Whether you’re here from across town or across the globe, it’s your chance to throw yourself into student life.

But… as much as we want you to have an amazing time, we also want you to make it through the week with zero drama (other than “I accidentally joined 12 societies and now I have a medieval re-enactment tomorrow”).

Here’s your no-nonsense, big-sibling guide to keeping it fun and safe.

1. Meeting New People: Go Big, But Go Smart

Freshers Week is basically speed-friending. You’ll meet more people in seven days than you did in a whole year at school.

Trust your gut — if someone gives you bad vibes, you don’t have to hang out with them.
Don’t feel pressured to go out every night or be everyone’s best mate immediately. Your people will find you.
Swap social media instead of your home address if you’re not sure about someone yet.

We have loads of friend-meeting opportunities through Freshers Week. Check out the events programme to see them.

2. Nights Out & Drinking

Drinking alcohol isn't a pre-requisite of being a Freshers. However, if you do drink...

Pace yourself — alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks or water.
Eat first — trust us, that late-night kebab tastes better when it’s not the only thing in your stomach.
Set a ‘get home’ plan with your mates before you go out. Walking home alone at 3am? Hard pass.

We actively encourage responsible drinking in all of our venues. Remember: you must be 18 or over to buy and consume alcohol - we take this seriously so please don't put our team in the awkward situation of having to ask you to leave!

3. Drink Spiking: Know the Signs

Sadly, drink spiking can happen (and it’s not just in clubs, it can happen at house parties too)

Never leave your drink unattended — even with people you know.
Watch your drink being made or poured.
If your drink tastes weird or your body suddenly feels way more drunk than it should, tell a friend and get help immediately. Most bars (including ours) will always help someone if they think they've been spiked

In the Student Union, we have anti-spiking devices available. These include stickers to go over your glass and you pierce with a straw, and bottle toppers that block the top of your bottle except for a straw. Just help yourself from the bar.

4. Consent & Respect

Freshers Week can be flirty, and that’s fine — but there’s one rule: consent every time.

Consent has to be clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing.
If someone changes their mind halfway through — that’s the end of it.
Being drunk doesn’t make it okay to ignore boundaries.
If something happens that makes you uncomfortable, you’re not overreacting — talk to a friend, a trusted staff member, or our Advice Hub.

5. Sexual Harassment: It's not OK

It doesn’t matter if it’s a comment, a touch, or a “joke” — harassment isn’t part of uni life, and we take it seriously. Remember, what is appropriate to you isn't necessarily appropriate to someone else.

If you experience it, speak up — to a friend, our team, or university security.
If you see it happening to someone else, check in with them and offer support.
You’re never “ruining the vibe” by calling out bad behaviour.

We take harassment towards our staff and volunteers very seriously. They work hard to ensure you can have a great time - so don't be "that person" in Freshers Week that is remembered for completely the wrong reasons!

6. Scams & Student Safety

Scammers love new students, especially those from overseas who might not be familiar with the UK. Common ones include:

Fake landlords asking for deposits before you’ve even seen a flat.
Dodgy part-time jobs that want your bank details upfront.
Fake university emails asking for login or payment info.
Golden rule: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. When in doubt, run it past the Advice Hub before you commit to anything.

7. Money Moves

Freshers Week can get expensive. Between tickets, takeaways, and buying your fourth fancy coffee of the day, it adds up fast.

Set a daily budget — even if it’s just a rough number in your head.
Keep a small stash of emergency cash for unexpected costs (or, you know, laundry tokens).

8. Looking After Yourself

Sleep — even a couple of early-ish nights will save your energy (and immune system).
Eat something green occasionally — pizza is great but your body will thank you for a bit of veg.
Check in with yourself — Freshers Week can be overwhelming. It’s okay to skip an event, have a quiet night, or take a breather.

9. If Something Goes Wrong

We hope you won’t need this, but if you do:

Safe Guarding (Campus Security): 24/7 help if you feel unsafe or need urgent support. Press the red button on the SafeZone app, pick up any red phone around campus, or call 0131 451 3500
HWUnion Advice Hub: confidential, independent support on anything from harassment to housing.
Emergency Services: In the UK, dial 999 to be connected to the emergency services (Police, Ambulance, Fire). Call 111 if you need non-emergency help.

Final Word

Freshers Week is about finding your feet, your friends, and your favourite spots on campus. Go all in on the fun, but keep an eye on yourself and your mates. We’ve got your back — and we want you to have stories you’ll want to remember, not ones you wish you could forget.

Welcome to Heriot-Watt. Let’s make it a good one.

How to Enjoy Freshers Week