Freshers Flu, essentially normal flu but all the freshers get it, spread via droplets of saliva during sneezing and coughing as well as having direct contact with the infected hands. Now unfortunately the flu vaccination that the NHS provide is only for the vulnerable such as the old and babies (but how could you be more vulnerable after a questionable pizza and 9 pints?) so no luck there, however a diet with vitamin C and Zinc in can help in the defense against flu.

Symptoms: Fever, headache, shivering, sneezing, blocked nose, and a dry heavy cough.

Treatment: Get to bed, rest and drink plenty of fluids to replenish those lost during the fever. Take paracetamol to bring down your temperature, and finally do not attempt to fight it by going out even more.

Glandular Fever, also known as mono in America which is spread via saliva and is also known as the 'kissing disease' (for which reason I'll let you figure out)

Symptoms: The illness will affect your throat primarily which will become very sore and swollen, inflamed tonsils, muscle aching, exhaustion and a loss of appetite (mainly due to the fact your throat hurts so much when you swallow)

Treatment: There is no cure, except a course of antibiotic's however this is more a disease rather than an infection as you will have it for life – however it doesn't re-appear much. From personal experience I suggest a course of rest and relaxation, stick to drinking hot drinks as this will make the throat more supple and allow you to swallow small amounts of food more easily. Unfortunately your doctor will mention one main problem – No alcohol, your organs are very weak during Glandular fever and your liver will take a battering if you drink.

STI's: Those sexually transmitted infections are a problem during freshers, people are getting drunker than usual and are in high spirits – these by themselves aren't a problem however not taking precautions is.

Symptoms: Common symptoms of an STI include an unusual discharge, pain or burning on urinating, itches, rashes, pain or bleeding during or after sex and pain in the lower abdomen.

Treatment: In this case, prevention is much cheaper than the cure- condoms, they will prevent most sexually transmitted infections if used correctly, along with regular check ups at the clinics. However if you find yourself in the situation of having an STI,  most STIs are treated with antibiotics. Remember if untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can spread to your other reproductive organs, causing serious health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility.

Meningitis: Probably the worst thing you could pick up at university except maybe a fail. It will infect the membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain, although the slightly less worse Bacterial and Viral Meningitis.

Symptoms: Similar to flu and include a severe headache, high temperature/fever, aversion to bright light (don't confuse that with opening the curtain when you have a hangover) and an inability to touch the chin to the chest due to neck stiffness. If you start to see rashes appear on your body press a cold glass against them, if they do not disappear then you should see your doctor as this is a sign of meningitis.

Treatment: The Hospital! Don't try to 'sleep it off', you will need hospital treatment along with a course of antibiotic's.