So, you got your results and you’re heading to university?
Good stuff! Though, with every event invitation on Facebook inviting you to what
promises to be the ‘biggest’ and/or ‘messiest’ freshers event, you are filled
further with dread?
Well, that sounds just a little bit extreme. It’s there for
some people though. That’s okay.
I am nineteen years old and have never been absolutely
wasted, as us young people put it. That’s not to mean that I didn’t enjoy
freshers and don’t enjoy nights out.
I do drink, I enjoy a couple of cocktails with the girls and
a vodka and coke in a club. I enjoy a cider with a pub lunch and a wine with a
chick flick. I just don’t enjoy the thought of drinking money away to spew in a
gutter and break my favourite pair of heels. Though I can see why getting drunk
appeals to some people, for me it’s really the loss of control that comes with
it. Everybody is different.
As freshers rolled round last September, I’d be lying if I
said that I wasn’t dreading it. Everybody I met at uni or in halls was asking
me where I was going and which wristband I had, like I had a clue.
If you’re like me, then here’s how to get the most out of
freshers.
Join in, your way
Clubs do not force alcohol down your throat, so if that’s
your worry then scrunch it up and throw it away. There’s no harm in perhaps
trying an event, be it a UV or foam party. Get your glad rags on and head out
with your new flat mates, if you don’t want to drink then don’t. If you want a
few then have a few. Don’t let fear hold you back, if it’s not your scene then
grab a taxi home, no harm done.
Find a few unusual bars
During our freshers, myself
and best friends found a jazz bar in the middle of Birmingham. We walked in and
it was a free gig with a great atmosphere. Another time we went to a burrito
bar. The next a Jekyll and Hyde themed bar. With so much happening in the
surroundings, nobody gives a toss what’s in your glass – so long as you’re
having a good time. So you drink that mocktail. Or that cocktail.
Attend the freshers fair
It seems lame, but it’s a
great way to meet people. How very cliché. It’s true though. Go and get your
free pizza, some noodles and a couple of vouchers for gym memberships. Have a
look around your campus and be one of the few without a hangover. You might
meet your new BFF who has bright ideas about an evening plan. Whilst there…
Join a society
Blah blah blah, it’s a
university must. So why not? Pay your fiver and find friends for life and a
bustling social life. The societies will be holding their own freshers events
too, so spend your evening with the other sport fanatics watching the game, or
get out writing for journalism.
Explore!
You're probably somewhere
new, so why not? Take a walk into town and see what you stumble across. We
found a video game evening in a hall, and played PacMan. Another time we found
a museum. You'll probably find shortcuts too, which are handy for the rest of
the year.
Find the music
Most universities are near
to/in a city, meaning that there are music venues nearby. Go and find them,
September – December are the months of tours. Gigs are a great way to spend an
evening, plus you’ll bond with people as the shared interest is already there.
Also, check out the smaller
music venues. Local musicians, upcoming artists, a different night out. Even
find an open mic or karaoke bar! Similarly, check out the theatres who probably
offer student tickets.
Less drink? MORE FOOD!
You just can't beat a meal
out, and by finding the best eateries with your new pals you save the washing
up liquid too. Get yourself into China Town and find the best buffet, head to
the cultural quarters and try something new. Browse the hidden gems of shops
and treat yourself to an afternoon tea!
Look for events
Your SU won’t only be
organising bar crawls, chances are there will be cinema trips as well as day
trips. Sign yourself up and find yourself on the Warner Bros Studio Tour with
some new class mates, or even give Warwick Castle a chance!
Have the neighbours over
Even the strongest of
fresher-goers can’t escape without freshers flu, everybody will need a breather
at some point. Take this time to invite your suffering neighbours over for a
couple of films and some popcorn. Get to know them.
Make the effort to invite
them over for an evening of card games or baking. Order some pizza and set up
the game console. Some friends of mine even bought a ball pit. They’ll realise
that staying in can be the new going out.
You’ll be surprised at how
many people will be just like you, and then how many people really don’t care
that much about what you do and will respect your choices. Just remember,
anybody who pressures you isn’t worth having as a friend. Not enjoying drinking
isn’t the end of your university fun, and is no reason for you to hide away
during freshers. It’s also no reason for you to miss out on new friendships.
Go and have fun! x
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