Preparing for ‘Freshers' week: Part Two – "After eight o'clock"

Undoubtedly starting university is a time of celebration and socialising with your course mates who might well become friends for life – so surely first impressions count for something…. Don't they?

Freshers week can be long and expensive, with the average student spending close to a 3 week budget in their “Freshers week”. The temptation and sometime social necessity of burning the candle at both ends can be a stressful and costly period, especially on reflection.
Don't be disheartened or dejected by the prospect of accumulating debt whilst at university, as it is more common than you might think and there is plenty of help and support to help you through.

Our advice on preparing for “Freshers weeks after 8 o'clock” follows:

If you are going to drink:
Why not have a couple of drinks are your house first, not only is this cheaper than a bar but it will also give you time to socialise with your new flatmates.

Student Union bar;
There is always a bargain to be had at your Student Union bar, offering cheap booze, sandwiches and hot meals. Although eating lunch here everyday can be expensive…

Cashpoints:
Many cash machines inside pubs, clubs, bars and newsagents charge a commission per transaction ranging anywhere from £1.25 up to as much as £3.00. To avoid such charges stick to highstreet cash points and look out for the charges when withdrawing cash. If you are prompted with a message that you will be “charged for this transaction” click ‘return card'. It is also advisable to avoid making cash withdrawals on credit cards where you will be charges either a percentage of the withdrawal or a flat rate, which is usually around 2% or £2, which ever is more.

Minimum payments:
Another good reason for carrying cash are minimum transaction values imposed by many bars, cafes and nightclubs. Such charges are often in the region of £5 to £10, which can inadvertently force you (the customer) into purchasing more than you might want or need. Try to carry cash – but again, only what you need.

See more:
Why not take a break from all of the evenings activities and go visit something other that the bars and nightclubs. Art galleries, theatres and historic sites including for example the Newcastle and Gateshead Quayside offers a fantastic range of things to do such as the Baltic – a contemporary art gallery, which is free to enter. Click VisitBritain from details of what is available in your university town. Remember that you might be eligible for a Student discount, so bring your NUS card.

Be safe:
Although at Clear Student Debt we actively encourage financial management amongst students we also care about your safely and wellbeing. Sharing a taxi after a nightclub can be expensive but it is far safer than walking home, particularly late at night in an unfamiliar city. When catching a taxi, try to club together with friends and divide the cost between you.

Have you checked out Part One on "Surviving the Freshers Fair"? - Check it out here:

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