The UK has a well-respected higher education system and some of the top universities and research institutions in the world. But to those who are new to it all, it can be overwhelming and sometimes confusing.

October is usually the busiest month in the academic calendar. Universities have something called Freshers' Week for their newcomers. It's a great opportunity to make new friends, join lots of clubs and settle into university life.

However, having just left the comfort of home and all your friends behind, the prospect of meeting lots of strangers in big halls can be nerve-wracking. Where do you start? Who should you make friends with? Which clubs should you join?

Luckily, there will be thousands of others in the same boat as you worrying about starting their university social life on the right foot. So just take it all in slowly. Don't rush into anything that you'll regret for the next three years.

Here are some top tips from past students on how to survive Freshers' Week:

- Blend in. Make sure you are aware of British social etiquette. Have a few wine glasses and snacks handy for your housemates and friends.

- Be hospitable. Sometimes cups of tea or even slices of toast can give you a head start in making friends.

- Be sociable. The more active you are, the more likely you'll be to meet new people than if you're someone who never leaves their room.

- Bring a doorstop. Keep your door open when you're in and that sends positive messages to your neighbours that you're friendly.

So with a bit of clever planning and motivation, Freshers' Week can give you a great start to your university life and soon you'll be passing on your wisdom to next year's new recruits.

• system [´sistəm]   n.系统，体系，制度   (初中英语单词)
• research [ri´sə:tʃ]   n.&vi.调查；探究；研究   (初中英语单词)
• prospect [´prɔspekt, prəs´pekt]   n.景色；境界 v.勘察   (初中英语单词)
• survive [sə´vaiv]   vt.幸存；残存   (初中英语单词)
• wisdom [´wizdəm]   n.智慧，聪明，才智   (初中英语单词)
• calendar [´kælində]   n.日历；月历；历法   (高中英语单词)
• positive [´pɔzətiv]   a.确定的   (高中英语单词)
• overwhelming [,əuvə´welmiŋ]   a.压倒的；势不可挡的   (英语四级单词)
• academic [,ækə´demik]   a.学术的 n.大学学生   (英语四级单词)
• hospitable [´hɔspitəbəl]   a.好客的；招待周到的   (英语四级单词)
• etiquette [´etiket]   n.礼仪，礼节；规矩   (英语六级单词)