Sun, sand, and sambuca: An A-Z guide for your University of Leeds society tour

Tour. Some of the best days of society life. The sand between your toes, the sun beaming down after months of drizzly Leeds winter, and countless shots of sambuca on a cheap European night out. What more could you ask for?

Most societies release their tickets at this time of year, so if you’re unsure about whether to go, then you’re in luck because, from Aperol Spritz to insurance, I’ve got you covered.

So, here’s a handcrafted A-Z list that’ll help you gain an insight into the experience.

A: Aperol Spritz

Whilst not very tour-budget friendly, ensure you keep a cheeky Aperol allowance in that Monzo account. When it hits 5pm, and you feel as though you can’t possibly survive another night, get yourself an Aperol. Trust me, it’ll revive you in minutes.

B: Buddy

If you’re prone to a wonder, find yourself a tour buddy (or two), and make sure you keep track of each other. It’s much easier to run off to the beach on a night out if you’ve got a mate to go with, as getting lost on your own would really ruin the vibes (alongside being super dangerous, obviously).

C: Crocs

Those hostel floors are no joke. Enough said. 

D: Duty-free alcohol

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There’s something oh-so-special about a tax-free Airport purchase – especially a tour-related one. Split it with a few friends though, as you don’t want to be pouring it away if you don’t manage to get through it all.

E: Emergency oversized luggage fund

Everyone stretches that carry-on bag to the max. If you’re stupid enough to get caught (like me), prepare to lose that £48 before even leaving the country (heartbreak).

F: Foreign language skills

Or just a few key phrases. Personally, our social sec taught us “I’m going to be sick”, “I think you’re fit”, and “To the bar!”. Classy. 

G: Google Maps

No explanation needed.

H: Humiliating t-shirts

A degrading pre-departure gift that everyone wears on the plane. Social secs take note: give your members a name that pays tribute to something embarrassing they’ve done that year. Doubles as a PJ top too!

I: Insurance

And a GHIC card. Don’t want to get burdened with a stack of medical bills if you end up needing medical care – the student overdraft will only stretch so far!

J: Jacket

It’s often actually, disappointingly, quite cold, especially if you go in April (cry).

K: Karaoke 

When you’re tipsy in the sun, you never know what you’ll end up singing. The real keen beans may even practise beforehand- social secs have always got some sort of karaoke-related agenda going on.

L: Life360

Speaks for itself- makes it so easy to find each other! Once you’re back from the sun and faced with the darkness of deadline season you can use it find your friends in Eddy B too.

M: Microfibre towel

It is genuinely revolutionary. Totally worth the investment as they fit in a cabin bag and save you from having to rent a hostel towel (no one knows where those have been).

N: Nerves of steel

Tour gets intense… non-stop days, non-stop nights, bottom line = no sleep.

Do some emotional preparation beforehand to steel yourself (the widespread delusion will get you through though, I promise).

O: Oat bar?

In case you get hungry. Cheap snack? 

P: Passport

I’m embarrassed that I couldn’t think of anything better for P. Can’t deny that it’s important though.

Q: Quite a nice outfit

Bit of a stretch for Q, but you need at least one medium-nice outfit – those Insta stories won’t post themselves!

R: Rain-proof clothing (aka a hood)

Even though you feel like you’re escaping it, European weather is no joke. There’s nothing worse than ruining your hair minutes before a night out and being soggy for hours.

S: Suncream

It’s a win-win! Make your parents proud, and your skin happy.

T: TikTok

The G.O.A.T. for cheap recommendations in cities, with everything from dining on a budget to edgy, underground bars.

U: Universal charger (or a portable)

Or just the EU charger depending on where you’re going. Don’t be that person whose phone is constantly dead because you forgot one.

V: Various forms of ID

It is definitely worth bringing your driving licence as ID so that you don’t have to take your passport out. It’s not worth the risk of losing it and not being able to fly home (even though you may not want to). 

W: Wally Hat

Wally hat has MADE our time on tour: get the social sec to bring along a silly hat to give to the biggest “wally” of the prior night which they have to wear all day. Essentially a lighthearted scarlet letter in hat form.

X: X-ray precise packing skills

Small bag + lots of clothes = serious packing precision needed.

Y: Your common sense

Although it’s tempting after your fifth Sangria but don’t be stupid! Hanxiety hits hard.

Z: Zero pressure

If you put too much pressure on tour, it won’t be anywhere near as fun. Go into it excited to spend more time with your friends, and don’t feel any pressure to do anything you don’t want to do. It can be fun whether you want to drink or not, spend money or not, or just want soak up some sun. Take it at your own pace – there is so much to experience no matter how you approach it.

As a final year, I’m not sure I’ve got it in me to go on tour for a third time, as I fear I may be a social grandma now. But, to all you young, fresh, incoming first/ second years (and you brave third/ fourth/ fifth year soldiers), take note, for these will be some of your best university memories!

Have fun flying the society nest and taking it global – this tour bible will be here forevermore for you to consult.