First-time students have been warned not to let peer pressure mar their fledgling university experiences, as a new intake of learners arrives for the customary Freshers' Week celebrations.

University towns and cities across the UK are already bearing the hallmarks of their arrival, as undergraduates pitch up with the potentially toxic mixture of excitement and disposable incomes.

While many students complete this university rite of passage without causing too much harm to their neighbours, others have already pebble-dashed their streets with vomit, urine or other bodily fluids.

Errant shopping trolleys and traffic cones also find themselves at the mercy of young learners as the latest batch enrols at institutions across the country.

Video from the Press Association shows alcohol-fuelled revellers are already making the most of their freedom - with mixed results.

In several cases, students stumble from clubs and bars, shouting and screaming with arms clasped around companions.

And while plenty drink in the atmosphere responsibly, some are seen urinating in public or vomiting, while others lie slumped on the ground.

Colum McGuire, NUS vice president, said: "Sadly some students may feel pressure to drink excessive amounts of alcohol on a night out, which is why it's important that it is made clear to all young people that excessive alcohol consumption can damage their health and place them in a vulnerable position.

"It can also affect their studies so they must take care to look after themselves and their friends.

"NUS takes the welfare of students very seriously, but we know that this is also a problem for society in general which is why our new Alcohol Impact Scheme works with students' unions and institutions to change attitudes towards drinking and building healthier, safer, more productive student communities.

"Going to university and experiencing Freshers' Week should be fun and exciting, but it's really important too that students consume alcohol responsibly during this period and beyond."

Students say only a fraction of those turning up to begin university education cause trouble.

One reveller, on a night out in Birmingham, said: "Freshers' is just a really good time to meet people, have fun, make your friends for life and join societies."