‘The place is bedlam’: the chaotic aftermath of freshers’ week

‘At the end of the day, the place is bedlam,” says Sarah Jeal, a communications advisor at Kingston University, pointing to an enormous white marquee where music is blaring, sweet wrappers are strewn on the floor and everyone is carrying a sponsored plastic Domino’s Pizza bag stuffed with leaflets and party flyers. “There’s a big clean up overnight and then the whole thing starts again tomorrow.” According to the latest Ucas figures, a record 33.5% of the 18-year-old population in England are starting university this September. With universities running full pelt during the first week, campuses are busier and louder than ever. External companies and organisations are on site to reach new students, and with them they bring leaflets, branded freebies, balloons, sweets, plastic pens and a huge amount of waste. Freshers’ week is also an opportunity for sports clubs, societies, banks, cinemas and local restaurants to recruit new business, and one key tactic used is noise. So there is music, shouting and more music. Dealing with the freshers footprint is tricky for universities. According to one local Kingston resident, who did not wish to be named: “You can tell the students are back in town because of the increase… Read full this story

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