The Ten Fresh Commandments

Freshers, here are your Ten Commandments:

Hey kids, listen up! A little bit of unwarranted advice from a wisened old third year that

has truly been there, done that, and ruined the t-shirt.

1 - Everyone is scared.

We’re just not really talking about it.

2 - Go at it alone.

It’s going to take a while to build community. Until then, get comfortable with flying solo.

I met one of my best friends, someone who was fundamentally important to my time in

Leeds, at a gallery, alone.

3 - Don't sleep with your flatmates.

It’s just messy. I know it’s tempting and REALLY convenient, but it’s about to ruin

breakfast for everyone, not just you. Expand your horizons. Find someone in the same

halls as you – sure – but not the person next door. And whilst we’re on the topic, don’t

sleep with someone who IS sleeping with their flatmate. They’re just messy.

4 - Bakery 164 is busiest between 12.30 and 1.30.

But it’s seriously worth it. Also, did you know that the Costa coffee is included in Tesco’s

meal deal? It took me three months to figure that out.

5 - Know your limits.

It’s okay to go home, it’s okay to call Mum, it’s okay to lock the door and watch both

seasons of Fleabag in one night. Freshers is exhausting (especially for an introvert).

You are realistically not missing out on a whole lot if you decide you’re not up for Fruity

tonight. Taking the time to rest will make you ready for the not so restful parts of uni life.

And probably make you more fun to be around.

6 - Support your locals.

Make the most of the city: venture further than disco spoons. And if you’re stuck for

inspiration look no further than Lippy reviews ;)

7 - Join a Society

Preferably Lippy (duh). It’s the easiest way to meet like-minded people.

8 - The people you snog will come back to haunt you.

But they could also become trusted friends. Just don’t be shocked when the Indie

Thursday regulars are also in your 9AM.

9 - Your experience is not universal.

Talking about backgrounds, hometowns, and family can be delicate, but it shouldn’t be

avoided. This is your opportunity to learn (and maybe travel). Just remember that

kindness is key. Oh, and if you’re a Southerner moving to Leeds, stop taking the piss

out of Northern accents. It’s not cute and it’s not funny.

10 - First year does count.

Not academically, but the habits and boundaries you set now will become the

foundation for your uni life. Figure out now which library you like, what topics interest

you, how to email that lecturer. You’ll thank yourself later. Remain kind to people.

Remain true to yourself. It may not seem like it yet, but we’re all interconnected

somehow, and your reputation may just come to proceed you.

So, go! Have fun! Make plenty of mistakes. Swear you’ll never do it again and then do it

again. Write something a few years later and hope the reader does as you say and not

as you did.

Words and Graphics by Bea Butterworth, she/they