Feeling old at Freshers? We found the best things to do in Liverpool that aren’t clubbing

Starting the new academic year at university for some means another year of partying, socialising, and most likely – drinking. With Freshers’ Week officially coming to an end, it’s safe to say that Liverpool’s first years have made the most of their new-found freedom by exploring the city’s crazy nightlife.

However, many second and third year students have begun to see through the repetitive drinking routine and are getting tired of the looming feeling of hangxiety after a night out. After all, they do say that the hangovers get worse as you get older.

Despite many entering their twenties, some students are beginning to voice their dislike for the culture of clubbing every night – and that’s okay! Sometimes everyone needs to be clued up on the best sober activities in Liverpool that can actually fill your evenings – with student discount in mind, of course.

Gravity Max, Liverpool One

Stuck for ideas for a group activity? Fancy beating your housemates in a crazy go-karting race? Gravity Max has all sorts of games to get competitive with your friends. Whether it be real life Mario Kart on their E-Karting track, neon mini golf, or everyones favourite argument starter – bowling – there’s something for everyone here.

Located in the Liverpool One shopping centre, Gravity Max offers activities for dirt cheap prices, plus 15 per cent off for students Sunday to Friday. You don’t need to blow your student loan just yet.

Girls on the Go

As we all know, local running clubs and groups are a great way to socialise and meet new people. As intimidating as they might seem, especially going solo, there’s no better place to make some new girl friends than with Girls on the Go.

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Started specifically for the women of Liverpool, Girls on the Go is an all-female identifying group of wellness-loving girlies that meet every weekend at Sefton Park for short runs, a great way for any beginners to get into running! What originally started as a weekly running group for girls across Liverpool has now become a huge social group, providing everyone with the opportunity to go alone and meet new friends, or become a fun activity for your friendship group.

Not interested in running? They have tonnes of weekly meet ups including book clubs, movie nights, painting, and coffee dates, as well as their yearly events.

Quiz nights

Struggling to see the point in a pub night without drinking? A sure way to keep entertained at the pub is finding a good pub quiz night – to show off your inner Dark Destroyer from The Chase, obviously.

Quiz nights can be a great way to spend your nights out without feeling the pressure to drink when you’re with friends. For those near the city centre, The Font and Dough Bar hold a student favourite quiz every Thursday completely free!

If you’re looking to win some prizes however, the Liverpool Guild of Students host the Big Monday Night Quiz, which often sees winning teams bagging themselves an air fryer and other student essentials in a nerve wracking final game of Deal or No Deal. If you’re feeling too old as a second or third year, and looking to stay in Smithdown, The Brookhouse holds their quiz each Monday night with the promise of winning a free bar tab – what more could you want?

Point Blank, Castle Street

Can’t get off Valorant? How about trying a video game style shooting simulator in real life? Located in Liverpool City centre, Point Blank allows you to hire a simulated shooting range in which you can target practice with a gun of your choice. At just £10 per person, you and up to five friends can spend an hour playing unlimited shooting games. Whilst you’re there, don’t forget to try their American style food – the nachos are delicious, believe me.

NQ64, Colquitt Street

Along those same lines, you can find NQ64 nestled in a mysterious basement just by Duke Street, and it is perfect for the video game lovers in your life. With all sorts of retro arcade games, from Pac-Man to Crazy Taxi, as well as old school games consoles and interactive gaming machines, you could spend hours there with a tub of tokens – and re-living your childhoods with your brand new uni friends.

Hatchet Harry’s Axe Throwing, Gibraltar Row

Located near the Liverpool Docks, Hatchet Harry’s is another unusual but fun activity to try. With competitive games and a great atmosphere, you can enjoy yourself as a couple or a large group. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an experienced axe thrower to have a go – you’ll be given an instructor to talk you through techniques. You can even learn various trick shots and take part in interactive challenges and games, with the opportunity to win prizes. Imagine the ego boost you’ll get when you beat your most competitive housemate in an axe throwing competition.

Live music

Another form of evening entertainment that is often overlooked are the endless amounts of gigs happening throughout the city each week. Whilst you’re not exactly going to see The Beatles performing – or you might if you wander into the Cavern Club on a good day – you can’t spend time in the city of music without stumbling across a live performance somewhere.

Whether it be a live band in a local pub, an up and coming artist in a tiny venue, or a huge performance at the M&S Bank Arena, there’s something for everyone to go and see in Liverpool. And, did you know UoL’s student union actually holds gigs on campus? And no, you won’t have to pay a fortune for tickets.

Related stories recommended by this writer:

• Everything you’ll learn as a Liverpool fresher that the prospectus doesn’t tell you

• How to make the most of semester three as a Liverpool Uni student experiencing a flop

• We ranked Liverpool’s student social night themes from worst to best – so you don’t have to