This article assumes that all freshers live in halls: I spent my first term commuting 50 miles a day from my parents' house until I could find accommodation, and many of my friends spent the full four years of University living at home. While it means you don't have to worry about doing your washing, it can feel very isolating if you think everyone else is having wild parties every night!

My closest friends through University were those I met on the first day in a queue, and those I met through various music related societies (clubs and societies aren't all about sport - they cover things you've never even thought of, and everyone should join at least one!) rather than those I met in halls, so while drinking is a great way to meet people, it's far from the only one.

However, do expect to have the same conversation in the first few weeks with everyone you meet about where you come from and what A Levels you got...

Michelle Thomson, London,

Garth Rex, your puns are almost as awful as your point. Alcohol and intellectual pursuits go hand in hand. Why, a well lubricated brain may be capable of deeper insight into the truths of the universe

Steve, LSE,

I dont think he understands drinking culture in britain. We understand the affects of drinking we just chose to ignore them.

George, Derby,

BEER THIS IN MIND! The emphasis on alcohol, drinking, wine, beer, etc., etc., in the article is amazing...and pathetic! Please beer (pun intended!) in mind that alcohol and intellectual activities are incompatible. Oh, go ahead if your aim in attending university is to get Cirrhosis of the Liver and to become an alcoholic! You may even wake up some morning with a pain in the head..and god knows whose bun in the oven! If your aim is to get a good degree for a better future and a great career, be moderate, keep a clear head and...beware of Mr. Al K. Hol!

Garth Rex, Glendale Heights, USA

I actually met one of the best friends that i've made this year (my first at university) by being one of the few people not joining in the drinking games on the first night. we discovered that although we both like drinking; chanting and 4 fingers of snakebite at a time were not major interests for either of us...before i started chatting to her, i felt like i was the only person not joining in, but don't worry, look around and there'll always be somebody else in the same situation

Emily, Brunel Uni,

When I moved into my Halls... I put my stuff in my room and then started unloading everything like food and cutlery etc in my kitchen... every one was doing the same... we all exchanged greetings and then some one suggested that we open a bottle of wine... it was the best idea... we all sat in our lobby where other people in our halls were arriving so we could say hi to them and we all bonded... we stayed there for atleast 3 hours!

The first thing you should do when you get to Halls is leave your door open, have a look around, see who you can bump into and maybe suggest to your new house mates to open a bottle of wine or a few cans of beer... it certainly did the trick with us.

Chloe, Nottingham,

When you first move in, keep you're door open while you're unpacking so when other flatmates move in they can come and see you and say hi. Some people in my hall didn't even know they had a new flatmate for hours as they had kept themselves locked away trying to sort their room out!

Wait and see what kitchen things everyone else brings. That way whatever you don't intially have can be bought. We ended up with two toastie makers, two kettles, three irons and no toaster!

Games like Twister, a pack of cards and some shot glasses always go down well. First year flatmates often end up being you're closest uni friends and housemates for next year. But, not always, lots of my friends live with course friends etc and still love it!

Gemma, Leicester, United Kingdom

Big Tip:

DO NOT stay in your room on your own. Try to spend a lot of time in the communal space. If your halls of residence come with a living room, go on your laptop there, or watch TV there rather than on your own in your room. Try not to isolate yourself with worried feelings about how you'll get on with everyone.

As long as you stay open minded. (My closest friends included a guy who turned up on the first day looking like a right chav, and looking back, none of my mates by the end were anything like me... but it opened my eyes and I couldn't wish for it any other way)

Remember, DON'T STAY IN YOUR OWN ROOM ON YOUR OWN EVERY DAY! If you feel yourself getting into that role, get out of it and start communal cooking or just spending time with each other or whatever. The ones who made no friends were the ones who made best friends with their TV and PS2s!

Tom L, Wakefield, West Yorkshire

I attend University of Essex in Colchester. Im American and have been going to Essex Uni now for two years, two freshers weeks. It's easier than you think to make friends and as long as you have a big smile you will be fine. Usually the flatmates that you meet the first day while moving in are your first friends, before you get chance to meet others from different flats. Going to the social events provided are best for meeting new people. Also in my experience, the people I thought would be my friends at the beginning of year were not by the end, and I had completely different friends, so it always changes. Don't get dissapointed if during freshers week you feel like you haven't connected with anyone, it just takes a little bit of time and effort.
Try not to be shy about meeting people, always make an effort to say hello to everyone. Within your flat make sure to bring people into the social area, ie kitchen, and all cook a big meal together the first few nights. Great way to bond!

Penny, Winchester, Virigina

Freshers week is awash with booze. If you're not used to it, take it easy. You don't want to loose all your dignity in the first week. There's a whole year to do that...

Felicity Wood, Grasmere,

I think the most important thing to bear in mind is that it takes time to make real friends, and there is nothing wrong with you if you don't feel like you fit in with/like the people you meet randomly (eg. same halls). Towards the end of your first term, if you have been doing the things you like doing you'll have met people you really connect with.

The other thing is to remember that not everyone is out having an amazing time so if you want to stay in on Sat night with a book instead of drinking flaming Sambuccas and being harassed by rugby players in the college bar, you're not a freak!

Katie, Essex,

Don't bother buying a toastie maker or kettle until you get there. Every fresher and their granny brings one and there will be multiple kettles and toastie makers (Not to mention that you get very sick of toasties after 6 months of endless toastie permutations). Also organise a TV together from a repossessed TV shop - this is much cheaper than renting one and easier from collecting the money from everyone. Better still you can just give it away at the end of term. Don't buy loads of tinned stuff either - everyone moves out at the end of the year with multiple tins which their parents bought at the beginning of term, which were never opened.

Aine, london,