As the new uni year rolls around, us students return in full force for the most talked-about week of the year: Freshers. However, with the meeting of new people, excessive partying, and often-times lack of sleep, the more notorious ‘Fresher’s Flu’ tends to claim many of us within those first crazy weeks of term. 

In order to battle Fresher’s Flu head-on and make the most of a new year in Cardiff, here are some tips to ensure you’re ready to fight this head on! 

Tip 1: Stock up on those multi vitamins 

I’ve found that getting ahead early when it comes to keeping yourself dosed-up on vitamins can make the world of a difference in preventing Fresher’s Flu. 

Many shops such as Boots, Holland&Barrett, and even Lidl, provide a range of vitamins that help keep your body and mind strong amidst the whirlwind that is Freshers. Take them daily a week before you move into uni, and they will work hard to fight this flu off! 

Tip 2: Food is fuel (and water!) 

With the excitement of Fresher’s week, it is easy to get caught up in events and the adjustment to being exclusively responsible for your wellbeing. Taking the time to cook a balanced meal is often not a priority. Be mindful (even if it’s only once a day) to ensure you are fuelling your body for all the fun you have planned. Try to eat one piece of fruit, or veg, with every meal and stay hydrated to help your body stay energised.

Tip 3: Explore your new area! 

Whether you are a Fresher and it’s your first time at uni, or a returner living in a new area, taking the time to explore in the fresh-air will do wonders for any hangxiety or nerves. Getting out of your room and going for a walk will make you feel much more productive and give you the time to get your bearings before classes start in full-swing. If you start to suspect you’re becoming ill, trust me, you will appreciate taking the time to be outside before you find yourself potentially bed-bound for a few days. 

My favourite spot is Bute Park, and the Secret Garden Cafe there! 

Tip 4: Register with a local GP 

Although there is no ‘cure’ for Fresher’s Flu, knowing that you can see a GP if you need to will make it all less stressful. You can search for GP’s in your local area and register online easily – this is also a good idea in general, as you never know when you might need to speak to a doctor during the uni year. 

These tips have helped me enjoy Fresher’s to its full extent, without being stuck in bed for days, which meant: more YOLO’s, Woodville trips, and lectures have been attended.

I hope they work for you too! 

Words by: Mia Rutherford

The Uni year has started and Freshers’ flu is back in full swing! As someone who has suffered through countless weeks of coughing and colds after one too many YOLO Wednesdays, here are my top tips to overcome that unwanted guest; Freshers’ Flu.

Top Tip 1: Rest and Recover!

Now that Freshers’ Week is well and truly over, it’s time to take a step back and rest both your body and mind. Having the odd evening in, and getting an early night is a simple yet trustworthy way to overcome that dreaded illness that is rife this time of year. Turn a night in into something fun like a group cooking evening or movie night to ease both your body and mind and recover in a way that means you still get to enjoy the first few weeks of University! Rest is your biggest weapon against illness, so try to get in those eight hours of sleep where you can.

Remember, if your body is telling you it needs a break then listen to it; there are plenty more nights out to come!

Top Tip 2: Fuel your body!

While the easy option for dinner will always be a pot noodle or microwave meal, remember food is fuel and is needed to recover from illness. Eating immune-building foods is key in order to get to the road to recovery, and is often the best medicine. Try citrus fruits, ginger, or meals packed with veggies to build your immune system back up and to make sure you start to feel like your best self again!

Don’t forget to stay hydrated: aim for at least two litres a day and sneak in an electrolyte here and there.

Top Tip 3: Get Outdoors!

Never underestimate the power of a short walk with some fresh air in boosting your mood and getting your blood pumping! If you’re feeling rubbish and cannot manage a lot, any light movement can boost your immune system and combat any lingering symptoms.

Don’t over do it; remember it’s about helping your body recover, not exhausting it further!

Getting sick during Freshers’ is common, but with these simple tips you should be back to feeling better than ever in no time! Keep hydrated and fed, rest when you need to, get outdoors and remember – missing one night out now is much better than missing the whole next week!

Words by: Eliza Coles

Getting Fresher’s Flu seems to be a universal experience for students, and from my experience, you will more likely than not get fresher’s flu, even when you are no longer a fresher. I’m (unfortunately) currently suffering from fresher’s flu when writing this, so here are my top tips. 

Tip 1:

Hydration is key – even if you feel like you have lost your appetite, you need to make sure that you keep drinking water and hydrating your body.

Tip 2:

Don’t put loads of pressure on yourself. Everyone gets ill, and it is unreasonable to ask too much of yourself when you are unwell. Let yourself recover, and uni work will still be there for when you are better. Personally, I like to focus on reading when I’m suffering from fresher’s flu as this seems to be the most manageable for me. This being said, don’t be worried about reaching out to your professors. This can be done so easily via email and let them know if you are having to miss lectures.

Tip 3:

Get outside! Try and leave the house at least once a day, even if it is for a little walk. It can be a good idea just to give yourself a purpose to leave the house, as it can motivate you. For example, a little food shop, a walk with a friend, picking up a book from the library, etc. 

Tip 4:

Try to give yourself home-like comforts. This can be personal for you, but some examples are: making hot drinks, watching a film you love or having soup. This can also help with any homesickness you may have if you are a fresher too. 

Tip 5:

It can be hard not to feel this fomo if you are feeling too unwell to attend social events with a society, but these opportunities are not just limited to the start of the year. There will be plenty of opportunities to go to socials and go out throughout your time at university, so don’t stress too much.

Tip 6:

Make sure you are registered with a GP in Cardiff. Even if you don’t need to make an appointment for this, it can be helpful to know that you can if you need to in the future. 

Hopefully you find these tips helpful and feel better soon!

Words by: Felicity Goble

Featured image courtesy of Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image licence found here.