h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

There are always uni veterans who prey on the innocent, the shy and the homesick. They go into a feeding frenxy during Fresher's Week.

Agreed! It's as though someone announced "Fresh Meat" over the public address system. And don't think the sharks only go after lovely young women, either.

One very good thing (if possible) is to connect with a mentor type on campus a month or two prior, and let that individual assist with the move-in weekend, even if only to run interference. The luckiest freshmen are the ones who are members of sports teams, or the band, because they arrive early, and have a ready-made family when they arrive. The organizational hazings usually don't start for a week or two afterward...