Everyone feels awkward on their first day, so don’t expect to achieve too much. You’ll get to your room, unpack your things, say goodbye to your parents, and then have a sit-down. Leave your door open when you’re unpacking so that other freshers can poke their heads round and say hello and you can meet your neighbours.
When you feel ready to explore, put your freshers’ pack in your bag (for the timetable and the map) and head out. You’ll have bumped into people on your way to your room, so you could go and find them to explore with you, or you can pick up people in the way.
If your corridor is deserted, or if you arrive a day early for some reason, there will normally be people in the Common Room, so wander down there. The college might have organised something for your first night, but if not keep an ear out for any room parties that are happening. Or you could be brave and have one in your room – just tell some people to come round after supper and to bring their own drinks.
In the evening, people from the year above might take you to the pub or even a club. People will be swapping numbers and so should you, in case you get lost or drunk or both.
