Freshers Week: Get 'fresh' and educate yourself on celebrating safely

THE Welsh Ambulance Service is reminding students to stay safe and keep each other well as they head off to campuses and halls of residence around the country.

Commonly known as Freshers Week, the first seven days of the academic year for new students is a chance to make friends, socialise and let their hair down before the hard work begins.

But now more than ever it is important for students to enjoy themselves responsibly, both with respect to Covid-19 and helping protect healthcare services by minimising unnecessary emergency calls or trips to A&E.

Lee Brooks, Director of Operations at the Welsh Ambulance Service, explains: “Beginning your university life is an exciting time and after living with Covid restrictions for so long and with the vaccine uptake high, we understand the temptation may be strong to let your guard down.

“We urge young people to remember the basics of hands – face – space, and if you’re socialising indoors, ensure adequate ventilation.

“We all know too much alcohol is bad for our physical and mental health, but it often leads to accidents and injuries that will require medical attention and take up valuable NHS resources.

“Simple steps such as eating before consuming alcohol, drinking water and ensuring you have arranged transport home after a night out, especially in a new town or city, are essential in keeping yourself safe.”

An easy way to help ensure you help contain the spread of Covid-19 is to pick-up some free Lateral Flow Test kits from your nearest Covid-19 testing centre and use these regularly, especially after attending events.

Some universities in Wales are even offering rapid testing on site, so check their website or find out where your nearest testing centre is.

It is also wise to familiarise yourself with your university’s GP or healthcare facilities and register yourself with them – especially as winter approaches.

Government guidance in Wales states if you have any Coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss or change of taste or smell), you should self-isolate at home and get a test.

You should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

Wales is home to eight universities in cities, coastal towns and on the edge of National Parks, so remember to enjoy your time here fully, keeping yourself and your friends safe and minimise the impact on healthcare services.

Full guidance on the Covid-19 situation in Wales can be found here.