Key Summary
FAQs
What are some fun sober activities during Freshers' Week?
Societies, quiz nights, city exploration, and campus-based events like Freshers Fairs and free pizza socials are all solid options. Beyond that, things like mocktail nights, silent discos, gaming cafes and cooking with flatmates give you the social buzz of freshers without needing to drink.
Can I still go clubbing during freshers if I don't drink?
Yes, plenty of students go out sober. Many clubs and student union events now serve mocktails alongside alcohol, and things like silent discos and karaoke nights give you the full night-out experience without any pressure to have a drink in hand.
What sober events does the students' union typically run?
Expect a mix of things like Welcome Balls, karaoke, silent discos and quiz nights, alongside daytime options like society fairs and freebie events. Keep an eye on your union's social media or website, since these get advertised heavily during Freshers' Week itself.
Are there sober activities specifically for meeting new people?
Yes, society taster sessions and accommodation-run socials, like games nights or pizza evenings, are specifically designed for this. Multi-faith chaplaincy events are also open to all students, not just religious ones, and are a good option if you want a calmer setting to meet people.
What are cheap or free sober things to do during freshers?
Museums, local parks, campus events and cooking nights with flatmates are all low or no cost. City exploring, whether that's a walk, a picnic or a themed "crawl" like a bookshop or coffee shop crawl, is another free way to fill your time while getting to know your new city.
How do I find sober events happening near my university?
Check your university and students' union's official social media and event calendars first, since most of what's on offer during Freshers' Week is advertised there. Apps and sites like Eventbrite, DICE and Bandsintown are also useful for finding local gigs, classes and community events beyond what your university runs directly.
What indoor activities work well if I want a quieter freshers experience?
Movie nights, games nights, and board game cafes are all relaxed, low-key options that still let you socialise. Hosting your own dinner night or a baking session with flatmates is another good way to bond with the people you're living with without needing to go out at all.
Is it normal to feel like the odd one out if I'm not drinking during freshers?
It's a common worry, but sober and low-drinking students are far more common than the typical freshers stereotype suggests. Most events, from societies to campus socials, are built around meeting people and having fun rather than specifically around alcohol, so you're unlikely to be the only one there.
In the excitement of moving to university, going out and partying can sometimes be the last things on your mind. From 9 am lecture hangovers to queuing up at 3 am in club lines, the freshers’ stereotypes are all very daunting. They are also not very realistic. In reality, there are many fun things to do as a fresher that don’t involve alcohol!
If you are one of the many sober curious students currently searching for what’s on offer besides WKDs and drunk partygoers, this list is for you. We’ve compiled some of the best freshers’ week activities to help you enjoy your transition alcohol-free.
1. Join a society
A great thing about Freshers’ Week is that you don’t have to look far for fun activities! Societies are the perfect place to find something to do without alcohol, and there are lots to choose from! Most universities offer a wide variety of societies, ranging from movie watching to baking, gaming, and even poetry writing. The Student Room has a great run-down on all things student groups. And if you’re unsure of where to start, here’s a helpful guide to finding the right one for you.
During Freshers’ Week, there’s usually an event to meet these societies, where you can sign up on the spot or attend their taster sessions. What’s great is that they are free to participate in. You can then take part in weekly sessions and discover fun hobbies whilst meeting other students. You can even be a part of the committee itself. It’s a great way to fill your time and even gain some good experience to show off on your CV.
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From post-lecture sessions and pub crawls to collabs with other groups, societies have everything. You know they’re good because they are run by other students! If you can’t wait until you get to uni to check them out, then look here for the best-ranked universities for societies.
2. Do a quiz night
Is there anything better than getting out of your room and being able to show off your brainy skills? I say probably not. Quiz nights, whether they’re at a local pub, on campus, or even set up on the fly in the communal room, are a cheap and fun activity for everyone. They can be about anything, too, so whether you’re a science whiz or you can name every Taylor Swift song ever, there’s guaranteed to be something to interest you.
3. Explore the city
This activity is great for many reasons: it gives you a head start in finding your way around, and you might discover even more exciting things to do while you explore. I love taking an afternoon walk a little further down the street or hopping on the train to the city centre. You could spend the day in town or take a weekend trip to a nearby city, the choice is yours!
You might want to explore the local art gallery or museums, or even join a walking tour of the landmarks. Take a boat ride or a stroll along the canal, peruse your local farmer’s market or have a picnic at the park. Watch a play at the theatre or go to a music gig, the world (or rather your city) is your oyster.
4. Do a ‘crawl’
Book crawl, coffee shop crawl, charity shop crawl, pub crawl… so many crawls! This activity is great because it’s so flexible. You can decide to do whatever interests you, whether that be a solo day out or an evening with friends. It is also affordable and accessible, because you can travel as far as you want and visit as many or as few places as you fancy.
You could even find a crawl to join! For example, I joined a bookshop crawl last year held by a society, where students were able to explore the city and enjoy some books and conversations on the way. Crawls can be as planned or as impromptu as you decide. Some like to have a set itinerary of all the local spots they want to hit up, or you might decide to just see where the street signs take you!
5. Stay on campus
It’s fine if you don’t want to travel far to have fun. Whether you’re an introvert or just looking for something close to home, campus is the best place for sober activities! Your University will host a wide array of fun Freshers’ Week events catered to all kinds of students. From society fairs to freebie events to meet-ups for your course, they have a lot on offer. I’m personally very grateful for these because they helped me to meet others from my classes. (There was also free pizza, which was totally not my main reason for going.) The easiest way to find these events is to check your University’s website or social media.
Your University’s Multi-faith Chaplaincy might also have events targeted towards students who don’t drink. These are great for meeting like-minded people and enjoying something unique. They aren’t just for religious students either! They are open to all students and have some great events, like baking bread and lunch socials. Be sure to check event calendars or sign up for newsletters to find out when all the fun events are happening.
6. Go out, mocktail-style
Whether you bring the party to you, or you still want to go out and join the club lines, mocktails are a great alternative to alcohol! It’s literally in the name: they’re cocktails without the hangover. You might find them in dedicated sober bars. Moreover, lots of clubs have started serving delicious mocktails for people who want the vibe without the vodka.
You could go to student-targeted events, like parties at your student union, which can be anything from a spectacular Welcome Ball to karaoke or a silent disco. If your experience is anything like mine, there will be plenty of people handing out fliers on campus to advertise them.
7. Get a takeaway, or fakeaway?
As a student, you will be well aware that cooking is a vital part of your student life. So there’s no better way to practice your cooking skills than hosting your own dinner night! You could go out and explore the local restaurants, or pop to the shop and try out a new recipe. Pinterest is great for finding inspiration, or you might even find them on student guides. Take a look at this cookbook for students.
If you’re more of a fire hazard in the kitchen, takeaways are also a great option. Student areas are usually full of tasty food spots, which you can order straight to your door! Dinners are a perfect activity for filling your evening or breaking the ice with your flatmates. Cooking with my flatmates was one of the first things I did. It was really fun to chat and do it together. You can also figure out how the oven works, which is a plus!
8. Find a new hobby
You don’t have to join a society to pick up a hobby. In fact, there are so many hobbies for you to choose from! If you’re sporty, there are great options like local classes or joining sports groups. Even if you’re new to sports, they usually have taster sessions for beginners. These are perfect for seeing if it’s the right fit for you. However, don’t overthink it. You could order a cheap mat online or grab your biggest towel and start stretching right in your room! YouTube and TikTok have some great exercise guides.
However, if the thought of a run doesn’t appeal to you, then don’t fret, there are other good options available. Many cities advertise events through local community boards and social media, like Facebook, with everything from poetry nights at the pub to pottery painting afternoons. These are great ways to have fun and participate without needing to drink. You can even pick up a hobby at home whenever you want to. It could be as simple as drawing with a piece of paper and a pen, or picking up some wool at HobbyCraft to knit your own clothes! Whether it’s gaming with your mates or baking cookies, hobbies are wonderful for an alcohol-free activity.
Websites like Eventbrite and Class Bento are useful for finding hobbies and events near you. You can filter the events to find what is happening in your local area, so get searching!
9. Host a movie night
From LetterBoxd fanatics to those who have never heard of Casablanca, movies are a great activity for everyone who doesn’t want to drink. You could keep it lowkey, with your laptop and some microwave popcorn. Alternatively, you could jazz it up with a projector and some tasty snacks. Outdoor cinemas are a popular option for a fun night out.
If you like the experience of going to the cinema, but not the cost, then you could look for a handy discount. Some cinemas offer student discounts, like the Odeon’s student discount for its limitless membership. Various websites and apps provide even more great student deals. Check out places like StudentBeans and Save the Student, and you might even find something else you’ll enjoy!
10. Meet your neighbours
For those who like the social aspect of clubs and drinking, another great way to experience this is to hang out with those around you. Whether that be inviting your mates over, or getting to know the people living next to you, you can socialise however you want to. You could do something fun like hosting a game night or unwind in your accommodation’s communal room.
Lots of student accommodations hold events for new students to meet each other and to relax for free. I’ve been to some amazing events, like a Halloween party, chill workshops, and pizza socials. They are nearby, easy on the student budget, and ideal for socialising and having fun without catching freshers’ flu. You could find out if your accommodation has an app or group chat to join.
11. Find a gaming cafe/bar
A lot of cities now have board game and puzzle bars or cafes, which are the perfect places to enjoy yourself whether you’re straight-edge, teetotal or drinking! So take a couple of friends along to your local gaming cafe and enjoy their range of board games or video games alongside some cake, food or a lovely coffee. What’s better than some friendly competition with good food and great vibes? Nothing.
12. Go and watch a sports match
Universities have sports teams that compete, often against other universities. So if you’re a sports fan, take yourself along to a match! Whether you fancy a football game, American football, rugby, tennis or even swimming, there’s almost definitely something going on that you can watch – or maybe even join in with…
13. Visit the local museums
Many cities have museums that show the local history, so they’re a great place to go if you’re looking to learn a little more about where you’ve moved to. They’re also perfect for dates, so knowing your way around may benefit you in the future if you’re so inclined. Plus, they’re usually free and have great gift shops to explore.
14. Do a Bake Off night
Are you an avid baker? Do you want to give it a go anyway? Get your friends to all pick a baked good, and plan a night where you all do your best attempt at baking said item, either one after the other or together. Then you all get to judge who is the group’s Star Baker (and from then on, of course, they are obliged to bake you all cookies). It’s a fun and drink-free way to enjoy each other’s company and also lots of baked goods.
15. Do a Come Dine With Me week
Similar to the bake-off idea, why not organise a Come Dine With Me week with your flatmates. All allocate yourselves a day to make the dinner for the flat and rate each other out of 10 like the contestants on the show. You can create menus and dress codes as the show does, too, if you’d like! You can also decide on a ‘prize’ – it probably won’t be £1000 like the show, but it could be a week off of bin duty or shower priority for the week.
16. Go to a silent disco
A silent disco sounds weird, but they can be really, really fun. Have an explore on Facebook or Google and see if you can find anything happening near you. You might even find university-ran silent disco events! Some cities even have walking silent discos, where you get to explore the city with a group of people all listening to some great music and dancing along. It’s weird, sure, but it’s a great laugh. And a great way to meet new people.
17. Find some gigs in your new city
One of the best things to do if you’re not a big drinker is try and go to some live music events at venues or pubs. You can take friends along, or a date, and even if they drink and you don’t, there’s enough going on that it isn’t important! Check out Facebook Events or download apps like DICE and Bandsintown to find gigs near you.
18. Host a games night
Our last suggestion is to host a games night. Get in some board games or card games and use your kitchen or dorm room to host a games night with some friends or flatmates! Get some snacks in, your favourite takeaway and maybe even some of the mocktails you made earlier in the week. The most important thing to do is enjoy yourself!
With sober Freshers’ Weeks becoming more popular, it’s clear that you don’t need to drink to have fun. Instead of feeling the FOMO over not drinking, try out some of the great alternatives from our list and enjoy your freshers’ week!
If you’re looking for more advice on surviving and thriving in university, go check out everything else our Freshers’ guide has to offer.