Freshers' flu

FRESH-erz FLOO
Informal Neutral

What it really means

The cold that almost every new student catches in the first weeks — thousands of people from everywhere sharing germs, little sleep, and freshers' week parties. Usually just a cold. If you feel seriously unwell, call NHS 111 for advice.

Chinese explanation
几乎每个新生开学头几周都会得的感冒——来自各地的几千人互相传播病菌,加上睡眠不足和迎新周聚会。通常只是普通感冒;如果感觉很不舒服,可拨打 NHS 111 咨询。

Example conversation

A: You sound terrible. B: Freshers' flu. Half my corridor has it.
A:你声音听起来很糟。 B:新生流感呗。我们走廊一半人都中招了。

What you could say back

“Get some rest — and register with a GP if you haven't yet.”

Related phrases

Official sources

Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.
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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake