Looking after yourself during freshers’ week
Drugs and alcohol during freshers' events
In a new environment with new people and countless social events, it can be tempting to drink a lot, use more drugs than usual or try new drugs. However, this can also make it easy to go too hard and end up feeling bad.
Freshers’ week and drugs
You’ll have the safest (and least stressful) experience of using drugs if you know what you’re taking and what to expect. Reading up on the drugs that you’re using can help you reduce any risks and mentally prepare for the experience.
During freshers’ week, it might be tempting to try new drugs, especially if your mates are using them. Before you take anything, make sure you understand what to expect and what the risks are. It’s safest to take a small dose first and wait a while before redosing, as the drug can be stronger than you expect.
If you have tried the drug before, but you’ve moved to a new area or bought it from a different dealer, it might not be the same strength as what you’re used to, or it could be cut differently, which can make it more dangerous. Take a small dose to test it before using it as you usually would, as it might not be what you expect.
Don’t use drugs alone. Always make sure you are with someone you trust, so they can keep an eye on you.
See our tips for a night out for more advice on staying safer while enjoying yourself.
Get advice and support for ketamine use
If you or someone you know would like support with ketamine use, help is available.
We are here to offer advice, information, and – if needed – treatment, to help people manage their ketamine use. Our specialist teams can also support with any associated physical or mental health issues.
See our ketamine advice page for more information, or find your local service today.
Your environment
The environment that you use drugs in can impact how they make you feel; if things aren’t quite right, there is a greater risk of unpleasant side effects.
It’s safest to use drugs in a familiar environment, where you are with people you trust, and you have a good support system around you.
When you start university, of course you’re in a new environment, with new people, and you might not be aware of what support is available in your area. This can make you more susceptible to unexpected effects.
Top tips for ensuring your environment is as safe as it can be:
- Research the available support. Your Students’ Union should be able to signpost you to local support.
- Try to get to know people before using substances with them. This will help you feel comfortable around them.
- Take a small amount and pace yourself; it can be easy to overdo it when you’re in a new environment and not feeling at ease.
Your mood and emotions
Pay attention to your mood. If you’re feeling low, lonely or anxious, it might not be the best time to use drugs or alcohol as they can make you feel worse.
Make sure you’ve eaten, as using drugs or alcohol on an empty stomach is more likely to make you ill and ruin your night. If you’re using ketamine, wait at least an hour and a half after eating before you use it.
Stay hydrated. This can help your body to process drugs or alcohol.
Freshers’ week and alcohol
The first week of uni is traditionally associated with alcohol – but times have changed a lot, and so have expectations. One in five young people aged 16-24 don’t drink any alcohol at all, and that number is increasing.
Less than half of young people now drink alcohol every week. Whether this is for health, financial, religious, cultural or other reasons – the growing number of people turning away from alcohol results in less pressure to drink, and a wider range of enjoyable alternatives.
A lot of clubs and associations promote activities such as sports, wellbeing and music – so there are plenty of options if you don’t want your social life to revolve around alcohol.
If you do find you’re spending a lot of time in the student bar, there are a growing number of no/low alcohol beers and spirits. You could stick to these for the evening or alternate with alcoholic drinks so you’re only drinking the amount you feel comfortable with.
And if you're still up for a heavy session with your new friends, we've got plenty of advice on staying safer while drinking.
Loneliness during freshers' week
Although it can look like everyone is having an amazing time in the early days of university, for many people it is quite a lonely experience.
Even if they don’t show it, it’s likely that many people around you will be impacted by loneliness and anxiety. That’s perfectly normal: you’re in a new place, with new people, and have left behind your old support networks.
It can be tempting to use drugs or alcohol to combat this loneliness, or to build up your confidence around new people. However, this can make the loneliness worse, as it’s hard to make proper friends when under the influence, and the comedown or hangover can leave you feeling awful.
There are plenty of ways you can meet people without drinking alcohol or using drugs. You could:
- Join a university society, club or organised activity.
- Ask someone in a lecture if they’d like to go for coffee afterwards.
- Join a sports group.
If you’re feeling lonely or missing your friends from back home, reach out to someone and do something that you enjoy. Chances are, they’re looking to make a friend, too.
Money and budgeting
When your student loan drops it can feel like you’re rich, but it has to last you until the end of term, so make sure you budget. The last thing you want to do is blow it all in the first few weeks and then struggle to pay your rent, buy food or be able to enjoy yourself.
UCAS has good tips on budgeting as a student