08 Mar 2021

University is a whole new world of fresh faces. Fresh heartthrobs, party animals, lost puppies and eager beavers...

If you're a little frazzled at the idea of being surrounded by so many strangers, here are at least 10 types of people you'll come across during your first week at uni. Let this give you some peace of mind and gear you up for who you'll meet!

1. The one who is an eager beaver

They've memorised the campus map and timetable as well as all the niche and nuanced facts about the architecture of the uni buildings and the many extracurricular activities. You'll probably catch them already weighed down by a ginormous pile of library books whilst networking with all the lecturers and tutors who they've already done extensive research on. If you have any questions and queries, head straight to them.

2. The one who won't talk to anyone

You'll get the death glare of the century if you try to spark up some small talk with them. Do not ask them for a pen. I repeat! Do not ask them for a pen! Are they just really into their studies and don't want any distractions or do they just hate people? Or both?

3. The one that doesn't seem like they belong

Exhibit A of never judging a book by its cover: My mate rocked up late to his law degree with a mullet and a bumbag. Everyone in the first week thought he was in the wrong room. He topped all his classes. There will always be people that seem out of place to the untrained eye, but they are the most interesting. 

4. The one from your high school

What was his name again? Brandon? Bailey? No, I think it was James. Should I say hi to him? Or are we just going to completely ignore that we ever shared a high school for the rest of our university experience? Works for me.

5. The one that is here to party

During the first week of uni, they'll already be wearing sunglasses in lectures to hide their hungover dispositions. They'll spend most of their time not far away from the nearest watering hole.

Trust me, their perpetual scat state and abundance of wild stories will be a laugh...until you're paired with them for a group project... But make sure to hit them up on a Saturday night for a party.

6. The one who's a lost puppy

They will sit in your economics class for 40 minutes before realising that they don't even study economics. They'll seem a little frazzled and confused on the first day, trying to work out where their next class is and latching on to anyone who can help them. Bless them.

7. The one who everyone already loves

They can command the room with a few words and instantly everyone wants to either be them or be with them.

You'll pray they're in your class as they are comforting and fun, constantly sharing classic anecdotes or words of wisdom. They will have already joined every club, society and sports team, keen to meet as many faces as possible. 

8. The one who wants their parents

There will be one constantly on their phone. You'll ask them where a certain class is and they'll not hear you, too immersed in their screen. What are they doing? 

They're giving their parents a play by play of everything. If anything, they wish their mum and dad were there to hold their hand. If you so much as look at them the wrong way, just wait until their father hears about it.

9. The one who becomes your parent

Did someone three rows back need a pen?? Mum's got you covered.

After a night at the uni-bar where you accidentally have one too many beers (they're just so cheap with the student discount!), mum is there to set your alarm for 9 AM and send you home in an uber.

10. The one you have already fallen in love with

For me, it was the guy with the mullet and dimples who rocked up to the lecture late, late from heaven... You'll try to find them on Facebook, pluck up the courage to ask for a pen or suss out if they're going to the toga party...

Love, at first sight, is real. University is a whole new babe pool and I'm sure there'll be at least one special person that takes your breath away on the first day. Agh. What a good welcome to uni.