Call us:
0151 522 5800
Call us:
0151 522 580017th March 2025
If you’re headed to university and want to make the most of your social life, it’s worth knowing about freshers flu.
Often seen as a student rite of passage, freshers’ flu refers to a range of illnesses that new university students succumb to during their first year. We should clarify that, despite its name, freshers’ flu isn’t actually a flu: it’s more like a bad cold or a case of the sniffles.
This cold-like virus can be a real dampener on your social life, especially if you’re not prepared. Don’t worry if you’ve been struck down: it shouldn’t last too long, and with Luxury Student Homes’ guide for surviving freshers flu, you can hopefully avoid it in the future.
During the first couple weeks of university, you’ll be mixing with a lot of people.
From lecture halls filled with hundreds of students to clubs, social events, and new housemates, this mingling creates the ideal environment for the spread of germs (particularly respiratory illnesses).
Unfortunately, stress can also be a major contributor. Moving away from home and into student accommodation is a massive lifestyle change! You now have new academic responsibilities, and you’re also likely in social situations you’ve never experienced before, plus many students experience homesickness at university during their first few weeks.
All this, combined with a lack of sleep, poor diet, and the inevitable high alcohol consumption, can compromise your ability to fight infection.
So, what are the main indicators you’re suffering from freshers’ flu?
Some of the earliest signs include a sore throat, a runny or blocked nose, and sneezing. A dry cough and headache are also common. Some students report shivering, mild fever, and general feelings of fatigue or exhaustion.
The illness can leave you feeling groggy and weak for several days, which isn’t what you want when you’re supposed to be socialising! While these symptoms are uncomfortable, freshers’ flu tends to be mild for most.
Typically, freshers’ flu lasts from a few days up to two weeks, depending on the individual and their general health. Most students will find that their symptoms begin to ease within three to four days as the body starts to fight off the infection.
The symptoms, such as a sore throat, congestion, coughing, and fatigue, are comparable to those of a common cold. While these are usually manageable, it’s important to monitor how long they last.
If you’re still feeling unwell after two weeks, or if your symptoms worsen, we recommend seeking medical advice to rule out other conditions. You can check the NHS guide on cold and flu symptoms for more advice on when to seek help.
Sadly, there’s no cure for the common cold: all you can do is improve your lifestyle with small, positive changes, like:
One of the best ways to support your immune system is to drink lots and lots of water!
Your body relies on water to flush out toxins, and during freshers’ week, dehydration can creep up on you fairly quickly. To avoid this, aim to drink at least 6–8 glasses of water daily, and more if you’re active (or drinking alcohol!)
It’s the best for when you’re feeling under the weather, we promise!
The temptation to rely on takeaways and quick meals during freshers’ week is high, but eating poorly can also weaken your immune system. Nutrient-rich foods, especially those high in vitamins C and D, are key to supporting the body.
Include foods like citrus fruits, leafy greens, and nuts in your diet to provide your body with the fuel it needs to fend off infections. If you’re struggling to find time to cook, try preparing simple, healthy meals in advance or opt for healthier takeaway options.
It’s all about balance!
If you’re out socialising and partying during freshers’ week, it can be easy to lose track of your sleep schedule. However, a consistent lack of sleep can leave your body vulnerable to infections, just like freshers’ flu.
Aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night to give your body the time it needs to repair.
If you’re finding it difficult to wind down after a busy day, consider establishing a bedtime routine, such as reading or listening to music, to help your body recognise it’s time to rest.
No uni student wants to hear this, but if you’re out on the town almost 7 days a week and starting to feel it, it might be time to take a break. Excessive alcohol consumption weakens your immune system and leaves your body dehydrated.
It’s easy to indulge during freshers’ week, and while you should enjoy yourself, cutting back on alcohol can significantly reduce your chances of getting sick.
Try alternating alcoholic drinks with water if you’re still attending social events: this way, you can stay hydrated and keep yourself in shape, the best of both worlds!
Ultimately, a cold isn’t the end of the world. Don’t spend your whole time worrying about illnesses you may not even get. Simply being aware of freshers’ flu can help you be mindful of your lifestyle and habits.
Looking for student accommodation in Liverpool? Our properties offer a great community to support you through freshers and beyond!