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Fresher’s Week Manchester

So the time you’ve been dreading all summer has finally arrived, the time when thousands up sticks to sample their first taste of adulthood (or some warped version of it at least!), a study experience like nothing previously and a life experience that is seen by many as a necessity; where meeting new people is unavoidable and beans on toast becomes a respectable daily meal, yes it’s time to start uni! Worry not however, there is still one more week before things get serious (or semi-serious for first years), Fresher’s Week!

So you’re going to study in the party-town that is Manchester, first of all congratulations for that (or congratulations for surviving 1st or 2nd year), and good luck in your time there, but now is not the time to think so seriously! As Manchester is where it’s at between the 20th and the 26th of September for all things Fresher’s, whether you’re going to Manchester, Salford, Man Met or travelling in from somewhere further afield; whether you’re a real Fresher or an experienced student that didn’t get enough last year (or a graduate that isn’t ready to let go), there is a place for you in this exhilarating town! One massive piece of advice though – get yourself to Primark and purchase some sacrificial clothing, as it is certain to get messy and you don’t want to ruin your favourite t-shirt!

Monday

If you’re still alive after the Ice breaker (you should be, big week ahead!) then get to your nearest telephone box and change for the Super Fresh, Super Hero fancy dress party at Suede Nightclub, with cheap drinks, party music and hundreds of super-mad party-goers! Or you could get yourself over to the Ritz and witness the coming together of two of Manchester’s biggest and best-loved club nights at ‘The Murkage Club vs Juicy’, where you’ll listen to everything from House to Hip-Hop.

Tuesday

Drum and Bass fans should head over to Antwerp Mansion on the Tuesday for the Hit and Run Freshers Week Fiesta, where you’ll be treated to Kahn back-to-back with Comodo - as well as the likes of Chimp, Neek, Trigga, and the Hit and Run residents. Whilst underground favourite ‘Liars Club’ (well known for its Zombie cocktail) will take you back in time with an 80’s themed party – just follow the stream of afros! Or take a trip round the three MAD bars and enjoy everything from hip-hop and R ‘n’ B at Hula and Walrus to a bit of electro jazz at The Fitzgerald.

Wednesday

Fallowfield favourite Koh Tao will be upping sticks for one night only on the 23rd and taking up residence at The Ritz, providing all the chaos of a Thai carnival with ball pits, inflatables and confetti cannons all on offer with a bit of house, disco, bass and grime in the background; be sure to indulge in some face and body painting! Or you could head back to Tiger Tiger for F*ck Me It’s Freshers, a similar night to the Icebreaker with one key difference, it’s midweek (you don’t say!), so expect low low drink prices to keep you and your new friends topped up!

Thursday

And Tiger Tiger is at it again on the Thursday with Freshers Zoo, an animal-themed costume event that is full to the brim with face painting and onesies, perfect for those looking for that bit of silliness. And if you’re getting a bit sick of Tiger Tiger, Deaf Institute’s Pop Bubble Rock Freshers Party (try saying that drunk!) offers everything from Pop-punk to hip-hop, and what’s better, you’ll get some free pizza! Or you could venture out to Fallowfield for the Ministry of Sound Freshers party @256, where you can expect CO2 cannons, confetti and a fantastic party atmosphere with a backdrop that offers everything in House music.

Friday

So you’ve got to the Friday and you’re still going strong, though perhaps your wallet is getting a little weak? Don’t fret, the Dirty Dancefloor all-nighter at 42nd Street is the perfect remedy, with shots starting at £1.00 and Vodka/mixers starting at £1.60; I hope you like your Indie though, as you will be bombarded with more Courteeners, Arctic Monkeys, and Oasis than you’ll know what to do with! Alternatively, head over to Sound Control for Deadbolt Frat Party, with playlists that include Pop-punk, emo and metal in one room, and hip-hop, bass and grime in another, where you’ll take part in a host of American-style activities - including beer-pong and numerous initiation challenges - wear a toga and you’ll get in for £3.00! And for those that like to focus on the music a little bit more than the drinking (don’t worry there’s still a bar!), head over to the Night and Day Café for their infamous Rock ‘n’ Roll Night, where you’ll be taken back about 30 years to listen to some of the best in rock music, and the best thing is, it’s absolutely free!

Saturday

Antwerp Mansion are back again to finish Fresher’s Week off in style with their Rubix Cube night, so get yourself a ticket (presuming you’ve survived the week!) and let the farewell festivities commence - with pole dancers, fire hoopers and giant inflatables all on offer with a soundtrack that comes straight from the 80’s and 90’s, or end the week  in style at fifth - another of Manchester’s classic Indie venues and two floors of absolute mayhem - with drinks prices that are perfect for finishing off a week of drinking, you’ll definitely be left with enough for the late night kebab that you’ll be sure to regret in the morning!

Sunday

Now I know what you’re thinking, ‘what? Fresher’s Week doesn’t start ‘til Monday!’ Well, think again, for the impatient lot, Tiger Tiger will satisfy all your needs with ‘The Big Fresher’s Icebreaker’, where nine foot robots will be firing foam, Oompah Lumpahs will be giving out sweets, and you’ll witness OAP’s breathing fire! With tickets set at just £8.90, it seems like an event not to be missed. Just make sure you turn up before 11pm! Before-which, line your stomach at the Freshers BBQ Social on Oxford Road, where you are able to meet new people and be able to hear them!

 

By Calum Dewsbury.