Freshers’ A – Z: Part 1

Freshers’ Week can be pretty, damn scary unless you know where to start, so here’s our A – Z of everything you need to know about Edinburgh. Important points include which societies are hot, which places are not, and that we have a really big volcano. You can thank us in fourth year.

A: Arthur’s Seat

The dormant volcano without the castle on top. Sunrise hike up to the top mandatory. Just be careful not to fall off, and try not to have sex on it.

Also fab fun for fireworks night (unintentional alliteration).

B: Bedlam and BNOCs

Become a Bedlamite with the uni’s theatre company and if you’re not the star of the show, then there are plenty of other ways to be crowned a Big Name On Campus.

Bedlam. Will you take to the stage?

C: Cold weather

Unfortunately one of the few downfalls of studying in Edinburgh. Bring those hats and scarves to wrap up warm when the blizzards hit…and don’t be surprised if this happens in May.

D: Drinking, Domino’s and David Hume Tower

The first needs no explanation. The phrase ‘down it, fresher’ will become repetitive, but can be drowned out by drinking more (responsibly). The second occurs after the first when the munchies hit (watch out in Freshers’ Week for cheap deals). The third is whose steps you have to face at 9am the morning after the first two. It has about 1,000,000,000 floors and your morning tutorial will always be at the top.

Eek…

E: EUSA

The Edinburgh University Student Association is like Marmite. You’ll either love their political fight for student rights or begrudge the amount of flyers that get shoved in your face during elections. But they are bringing you the Venga Boys in Freshers’ Week, so sometimes you gotta love da haterz.

I guess they do give us PRow.

F: Freshers’ Week

This is where it all begins! There’s only one piece of advice to give for handling this overwhelming time: DO EVERYTHING! Say yes to pub crawls, societies and make loads of friends. You can always filter them later. Definitely come to The Tab pub crawl (keep ‘tabs’ on website for details).

G: George Street

Although it’s a bit of a trek from Pollock Halls, George Street is the home of the clubs and bars. Keep an eye out for student nights and see this article for the Tab’s pick of the best places to get lucky.

H: The Hive

It is the obligation of an Edinburgh student to go to the Hive at least once (or in some cases once a week). Take this oath and you’ll never regret the sweat and grunge of ‘Hive till Five’.

Be prepared to get down and dirty.

I: Initiations

Beware, they can be nasty. Of course we can’t give too much away, but if you’re planning on taking up rugby next year, just bring a spare pair of socks and maybe do some pre-lashes of dog food.

J: JMCC

Pollock Halls’ canteen of fame. For those of us who couldn’t be bothered to cook during first year, the JMCC is full of culinary delights. The sweet potato chips and apple crumble were ours faves. Everything else is well, interesting. Warning: Freshers’ Fifteen is not a myth.

K: Kilts

Only in bonnie Scotland! At which other uni ball would you see so much tartan?

L: Library and Library Bar

Yes, it’s true, you will have to spend some time in the library. Head to fourth floor for the hotties and if you’ve had enough, the Library Bar in Teviot serves up a mean pizza surrounded by books which, luckily, you aren’t allowed to read.

M: Meadows and Marchmont

Aah, the Meadows. There’s so much to do in this little, green haven outside the library, from BBQs to football training, come rain or shine (mostly rain). And all the buildings across the road? That’s good, ole’ Marchmont. But leave that until second year.

They’re just trying to get warm.