This post serves two purposes. Both equally as important, because the social media team truly believes that in just a few short weeks – after Freshers’ Week, specifically – we are going to be hit with something strikingly similar to… wait for it… a zombie apocalypse.
Have we lost you yet?
No? Okay, we’ll carry on.
By general rule of thumb, if you can survive the first month of uni, you can hopefully take on the whole three years. Similarly, if you survive the first wave of zombie attacks, you’ll most likely develop some strategies for surviving the next wave… and the one after that… and the one after that. Think Jesse Eisenberg in Zombieland (if you haven’t seen this movie, BTW, it’s a must-watch).
So, here are a few tips that apply to both how to survive your first month of university and/or a zombie apocalypse:
#1 Try to make friends early on. In a zombie apocalypse, it’s a case of safety in numbers. We like to think that this is the same for university. Find some friends who’ll have your back during nights out and through to the morning after; some students can get a little zombie-like when hung-over (or just hungry?).
#2 It sounds pretty obvious, but remember to eat. Hopping from event to event during Freshers’ Week, if you think about it very seriously, is a bit like running away from zombies. No? Yes! For maximum energy, make sure your stomach is full. Empty bellies sound suspiciously like zombie roars.
#3 Keep on top of your workload! Keep your weapons handy in case of a zombie overhaul – if you don’t, it will only end badly! The same applies to university: keep your textbooks close, and your laptops closer.
#4 Learn your way around. Imagine if a zombie knew the area better than you. Disaster! The last thing you want is to get lost on the way back from a night out, and to make matters worse, have a zombie hobbling along after you.
#5 Stay safe. This might be a challenge in a zombie apocalypse, but during a night out at university, #1 applies: safety in numbers! Stick to well-lit areas, keep your earphones out of your ears and carry around a personal alarm (these can be bought from Alan Berry building – opposite the cathedral); the noise is sure to scare off zombies. Be on your guard at all times.
#6 If you’re travelling alone, take a taxi! The expense is worth it. Zombies are less likely to get you there and it’s just generally safer. A little quote from Zombieland here: Rule 31# Check the back seat 
#7 Maps are a good way to get to know the city. Carry one for a bit when you start! It will help you work out zombie-free areas, and makes it easier to get to university and around Coventry if you have no idea where you are going.
#8 Go exploring – in daylight – with friends! Zombie apocalypses are dangerous, that goes without saying, but if you know your area, you know where to hide. Or, in students’ cases, you might find there is a supermarket a lot closer than the one you’ve been shopping at.
#9 Keep your phone with you at all times and make sure it has battery. You never know when you’ll need it! If zombies ever ambush you, you may need back up! This can also apply to when you need a taxi or want to meet a friend. Here’s a little nugget of gold: you may be able to purchase a juice pack for your phone, depending on the make. These act as a removable hardback case, but charge it at the same time. Genius, right? So if you’re worried about your battery dying during a night out, keep a juice pack in your bag/pocket/purse and simply click it into place just before you run out of, er, juice. Available on eBay!
#10 Don’t spend all of your money in the first week – budget! If you’re going to survive a zombie apocalypse, you will need supplies to last, and guess what, the same goes for University. You need money to actually get you through the year! I know, this is the last thing you want to hear when you’re about to receive that nice big loan, but seriously, save some money and make it go as far as possible!
#11 Go to lectures. Learning some basic zombie survival tips is vital! As for University, don’t skip lectures in the first month. As much as people say your first year is all fun and games, you should still go to classes. This’ll set you up for the rest of the year, so be a good, well-behaved student and get into the habit. You’ll feel better for it in the long term.
#12 Make sure you’re comfortable within your surroundings. If you have to stay in one place for a long time during a zombie apocalypse, you need to be comfortable. It’s the same case with student accommodation. Make sure you’re comfortable where you’re living, and also comfortable on your course! This will aid the peace and quiet of your mind, body and soul… and all that jazz. True story!
Now, these twelve tips could well save your life during a zombie apocalypse, so they’ll have no problem getting you through the first few months of uni. Use them, and use them wisely!
– Alex and Karis 
