Worried about Freshers’ Week as a non-drinker? Here are the best ways to get involved

Freshers’ Week and university culture may be an incredibly daunting concept to you if you’re a non drinker. For some, the beginning of university is thought to be a chaotic drinking-heavy week, but it doesn’t have to be that way for everyone. 

There are many ways to get the most out of your induction week while staying sober. I have put together a list of ideas for how to get involved as a non-drinker.

Day-time activities

Inevitably, there will be late-night parties and freshers eager to explore the nightlife in Birmingham, but there also a great variety of enjoyable day-time activities on campus. If you are not a drinker, these activities might be more your cup of tea and there is no shame in that.

The Guild of Students hosts memorable day time events every year which can include socials, fairs, tours and themed activities. Reminiscing on her own Freshers’ Week, third year student, Laura, told The Birmingham Tab: “There was a gay picnic where I met some of the people I ended up living with.”

This year’s events list for the Guild of Students’ will definitely have some unforgettable day-time events for you to check out. You can start off at its T-shirts making session on Monday 21st September.

Following, there is a chance to decorate plant pots and eat pastries and a dedicated crafting afternoon on Thursday 24th September.

Finally, on Friday 25th September, there will be a give-it-a-go fair, where you can try out a range of student societies. These are only a few of the activities that the guild has prepared for you.

So, even if you’ve decided you aren’t going to any events that involve drinking, be sure to give some of these activities a whirl and don’t just hide in your room. I know it can be tempting!

Societies

If you’re looking to meet a wide range of people at university without visiting clubs or pubs, joining societies is a must.

The variety is endless. There is quite literally every sport you can think of, and within that, are subject specific sports teams for those looking for less competitive teams. 

There are over 300 student-led societies in the guild. In your first week, the Freshers’ Fair will welcome everyone to their societies and you can meet their committees first hand. They’re all super friendly and eager for you to join.

The societies available range from pantomime, hookers and stitchers, bad films, hide and seek, climbing and of course sober socials. There really is something for everyone, so never be afraid to get involved. 

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In a society-based activity you can get to know people with common-interests and take part in events with them. This is one of the best ways to make the genuine friendships that will keep you going throughout your time at university. Also, within your society, you can meet older students, who can help advise you on anything from lectures to shopping lists.

An ex-secretary of Sober Socials discussed how their dislike of clubbing made Freshers’ Week isolating. However, they also told The Birmingham Tab: “I joined sobers and suddenly I had loads of people to hang out with on a Friday night.”

Wetherspoon @ Joe’s

via Unsplash

Earlier this year, the student guild’s on-campus bar “Joe’s Bar” was revamped into a Wetherspoons. No matter what day of the week it is or if you’re a drinker or not, Wetherspoons is a classic pick for students. Some host society meetings here, grab a bite to eat or just to have a chill out. So, you don’t have to order a pitcher to make the most out of our student bar.

The bar’s menu has a range of choices that will tick all the boxes for both drinkers and non-drinkers. As a non-drinker, you can choose between soft drinks, alcohol-free drinks, 0 per cent cocktails or a cosy hot drink during the colder months.

If you’re self-conscious about being sober, you might take comfort in knowing you don’t have to order out loud. Instead, you can place orders on the Wetherspoon’s app and a waiter will deliver your order directly to you.

Spending time with Housemates

If you’re living on campus, another important aspect of Freshers’ Week is breaking the ice with your housemates. It really is a strange concept to suddenly live with people that you have literally just met, so if you don’t gel instantly, it’s no biggie.

It’s important to remember that you are all in the same boat. If you’re feeling awkward, that’s completely normal. Luckily, there are lots of ways to connect with your housemates and none of them require drinking.

Mia, a second year English literature student advised: “If your flatmates are in the kitchen with you, just ask if they want to play a quick game! Everyone wants to make friends during Freshers’ and it’s a great way to bond as a flat.”

But, even if they prefer drinking games, you should definitely participate with an alcohol-free drink. You can even do shots with water if you want to.

So, it doesn’t matter if you drink or not, you can always make the most of Freshers’ Week at UoB.

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