For the quiet people...Having fun at Uni

The University Prospectus claims there's 'something for everybody' but my Fresher's Timetable tells a different story.

Whatever the theme, Traffic Light, Beach, School Disco, the bonding activities are largely centred round two factors: flirting and drinking.

It's a hormone-high fest of teens let loose for the first time with no parental guidance and the taste for freedom on their lips.

And there's nothing wrong with any of that, except if that's as diverse as university activity gets.

Problems start to emerge for the students who aren't really into either flirting or drinking.

They get pushed aside and left to make their own plans for the first week, feeling excluded because they haven't bonded as much as others might have.

And it doesn't stop there. The term 'University Life' seems tainted with the reputation of cheap booze, hung-over days and drunken tales.

So how do the quieter students survive and get their voices heard?

Well firstly, by not caving. University brings together people from all walks of life but that's no bad thing.

The key is to firstly respect what other people do (even if it is in direct conflict with your own way of living).

Secondly stay true to yourself, because this is how you earn the respect of others.

It sounds corny but you need to know yourself.

It's fine to experiment but if something isn't for you just say so.

The strong, confident approach will earn a great deal more respect than a snap under peer pressure.

You've got to believe there is more to yourself than simply 'fitting in'.

There's something that makes you an interesting person and a strong individual.

University is all about finding out who you really are and it gives you a real chance to express yourself fully.

Don't waste it by conforming if this means being miserable.

University is about so much more than that and you'll kick yourself later if you pretended to be something you're not.

Make the most of finding out what you stand for and make your mark.

Of course, it's not always that easy.

The temptation when you're desperate to meet people, this seeming like the only way to cement the friendship, will be high.12»