Ahh Freshers week, I remember it well. It’s now been two whole years since I turned up at GCU, fresh out of sixth year and looking like I was fresh out of the womb.
This not only scares me, but makes me feel really old. When I looked at this year’s Freshers line-up, I had absolutely no idea what anything meant. Who are Kideko and Ricky Simmonds (apparently they’re DJs, and they’re at Kokomo on Wednesday 14th September), and surely a Pink Panda is against PETA regulations (I’ve been informed that Pink Panda are also DJs, and they’re at Bamboo on Monday 12th September)?
I’m sure this is all very exciting and means a lot to you young things. But, as someone who’s older, not wiser and has the same music taste as your dad, I’m afraid it’s wasted on me. I can’t tell you what night is going to be the best, or even what the events will be like.
However, what I can help with, as someone who’s been there – is how to make sure you don’t stick out like a sore thumb.
Going to uni for the first time can be scary. You want to make a good impression. You want everyone to like you/think you’re amazing/nice/friendly/attractive/the best person ever. If you’re struggling with what to wear to some of the events – then look no further. Think of me as your own personal Gok Wan, here to help you make it to graduation without being reminded of the time when you took that club night’s theme a bit too literally, or turned up to a house party in a ball gown.
To the boys, let’s be honest, you can throw on an All Saints t-shirt and a nice pair of jeans and look handsome. Seriously, stick to the basics. The more you try and jazz it up, the more room you have for error.
However, for girls, it’s a whole different question. It’s the question that plagues 70% of group chats, a question that haunts every one of our nightmares – “what do I wear?” Honestly, if I have to hear the phrase “jeans and a nice top” one more time, I may self-combust.
So, first on the list is the UV party at Light on Thursday 15th September. Basically, you want to wear something white. Otherwise, the theme will be wasted on you, and you’ll look as if you failed Physics and don’t know what UV stands for. Mesh dresses are on trend and can also be dressed down for lectures, so at least you’re trying to make SAAS last past September.
For all the babies out there who are too young to go clubbing, never fear, there will be plenty of you. For parties in halls or a flat, just remember, they’re not actual parties. Think of them as more of a gathering. Don’t turn up in your prom dress. Unless it’s before going out, no one has went to a house party in a dress and heels since about 3rd year – don’t be that person. Wear what you’ve had on during the day, or, if you haven’t actually moved from bed all day (…guilty), just wear something you’d wear to lectures.
And finally, if you’re not into partying and clubbing, that’s fine! There’s plenty of other activities during Freshers week, like bowling (Monday 12th September) and trampolining (Tuesday 13th September at Airspace in East Kilbride). For these kind of events, you’re going to want to be comfortable. Trainers will be your best friend at uni, and H&M leggings don’t go see through. I bet Gandhi never gave out advice that good. Another essential is a backpack, as carrying around laptops, books, 20 boxes of McNuggets for when you sit at the back of lecture halls (just me?) can get pretty heavy and tiring. This t-shirt may be from the mens section, but it was just too relevant for Freshers week. Not mine though, I have plenty of regrets, but hopefully yours. Definitely yours if you follow my advice.
So that’s Freshers sorted! Now, you’ll never have to send your group chat a frantic “what is everyone wearing??!!?!?!?” text. Although, without them, would a night out really be the same?
Find the links to the outfits below:
UV Party:
Flat/Halls Party:
Active Wristband Events:
Feature Photo Credit: Flickr user Arvind Grover
We need volunteers! Want to help out during Freshers? Come and join the fun, get in touch with us via either: editor@theeditgcu.com or deputyeditor@theeditgcu.com
