Feature’s editor Reina Kawabata explores the complex role FOMO (fear of missing out) plays as a fresher in London
Freshers. Events fill our calendars, endless people to greet, and waves of emotions that feel eternal.
The period that welcomes you into your new life for the next few years, or what can feel like a lifetime. During these times, we feel the need to be everywhere, to be “on top of our game”, forgetting that the only person we are competing with is ourselves.
What’s FOMO? The Fear Of Missing Out.
FOMO often acts as a catalyst in our decisions during Freshers’ Week. Being part of something so new and fresh, we often find ourselves grasping onto opportunities, trying not to miss a single move. As a result, we end up fearing FOMO itself. From worries of experiencing FOMO, we make decisions carelessly. These decisions may be to participate in society events, join a group of unfamiliar faces, or even attend parties. More than half of King’s students have admitted to joining a freshers’ event out of fear of FOMO alone. You may ask, from what seem like such casual decisions, how does this feeling play out?
Leverage off your FOMO
For freshers, the essence of this period is the newly given freedom; to start over and entertain the process of discovering new passions. On many occasions in life, spontaneous decision-making does not lead to the greatest outcomes. But after all, it’s only freshers! During that week, nothing truly is a “mistake”; we are merely learning lessons. It is completely justifiable to be spontaneous and join random events, even if it is solely because of the fear of missing out.
Through the countless opportunities provided, there is truly so much to learn, mainly about ourselves.
“Being spontaneous and going with the flow by deciding what events to attend and what societies to join in the moment allows you to experience the best the student life has to offer and open yourself up to a truly transformative uni experience”- Former KCL fresher.
Take advantage of FOMO. For many a former KCL fresher, this mindset has led to the discovery of a long-term passion, or even a potential life-long friendship. Even in cases where it didn’t, it simply means other opportunities were waiting to be discovered. The offerings are so immensely diverse that with enough confidence, you will find your place. Some may not discover where they fit in as early as Freshers Week, but those seven days are only a tiny part of the upcoming years ahead as a university student. Freshers does not define one’s student life, yet at the same time, it is an experience to value and can be truly revolutionary for some.
“This experience really only happens once so… make sure you go to things that interest you! It could change your life for the better! I’d know because this happened to me later in second year.”
Remember, FOMO with boundaries
Nevertheless, we cannot ignore the negative implications that come alongside acting based on peer pressure. For those first-year readers, as much as it is essential to explore yourself during this period, do maintain your boundaries. Recognise situations that make you uncomfortable, and never force yourself into them. Even if you are participating in an event for the sake of others, at the end of the day, you should still be able to feel comfortable enough to be yourself. Remember, you are the powerhouse of your decisions, and no one but you should have the final call.
To end on a lighter note, bear in mind that you are free of judgment during your time as a fresher. And if you truly mess up, you can always rely on the excuse, “Oh well, it’s Freshers”. Who knows how many times the phrase has been used by us ex-freshers?
