Key Summary
FAQs
What can I do during Freshers if I do not like partying?
You can build a full Freshers Week around society tasters, sports sessions, coffee meetups, film nights, quizzes, campus tours, city walks, shared meals and daytime welcome events. Start with your students' union timetable, then choose a few activities you genuinely enjoy rather than forcing yourself into club nights that make you uncomfortable.
Can you enjoy Freshers Week without drinking?
Yes. Drinking is optional, and you can still meet people, explore campus and join in with Freshers without alcohol. Look for daytime socials, alcohol-free events and society sessions, or attend a mixed event with a soft drink. The goal is to find people and routines that suit you, not copy someone else's week.
How can I make friends during Freshers without clubbing?
Use repeated, low-pressure settings where you are likely to see the same people again. Society tasters, course chats, sports sessions, volunteering, communal kitchens and regular coffee meetups are useful because conversation has a natural starting point. Suggest something specific, such as lunch after induction or a walk to the Freshers Fair.
What sober Freshers events should I look for?
Look for board game nights, craft sessions, film screenings, coffee mornings, city tours, escape rooms, sports tasters, society introductions, volunteering events and daytime fairs. Event names vary by university, so check your students' union and university welcome listings rather than assuming the headline club nights are the whole programme.
What should I do if my flatmates want to party every night?
Let them enjoy their plans without treating their routine as your obligation. Join shared moments that work for you, such as dinner, pre-event chats or a daytime trip, then leave when you want. Suggest one activity you would genuinely enjoy together so the flat does not only socialise through nights out.
Is it weird to skip Freshers club nights?
No. Skipping club nights does not make you antisocial or mean you are doing Freshers incorrectly. Some students dislike clubs, do not drink, have cultural or religious reasons for avoiding nightlife, need more downtime or simply prefer smaller groups. Your first week is for settling in as well as socialising.
How do I deal with pressure to drink during Freshers?
Use a simple answer and avoid turning your choice into a debate. Saying that you are not drinking tonight is enough. Keep a soft drink in hand if that makes social situations easier, make your own way home plan and spend time with people who respect a clear no without repeatedly challenging it.
What if I feel lonely because I am avoiding Freshers parties?
Do not wait for friendship to happen only through nights out. Pick two or three repeat activities, message a course group, spend some time in shared spaces and make small invitations. If loneliness is becoming hard to manage, contact your university wellbeing or student support team rather than trying to push through alone.
Can I go to a Freshers party and leave early?
Yes. You can attend for an hour, have a soft drink, meet people and leave when your energy runs out. Tell a friend you are heading home, use a planned transport route and do not let a ticket price pressure you into staying. Joining an event does not create an obligation to finish the night.
If you don’t enjoy partying, Freshers Week can seem overwhelming but here’s the truth: you absolutely don’t need to go clubbing to enjoy it. Universities are more inclusive than ever, offering a wide range of non-party events designed to help you settle in, make friends, and feel confident from day one. In this guide, we’ll show you how to navigate Freshers without stepping foot in a nightclub (unless you want to).
You’re not the only one
First things first, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of students start university feeling anxious about the party-heavy reputation of Freshers Week. Whether it’s due to personal preference, cultural background, mental health, or just not being a fan of late nights, it’s totally valid to skip the club scene. Universities now cater to all types of students, and more Freshers are speaking up about wanting sober, chill, or quieter options.
Look out for non-alcoholic events
Most unis offer a full schedule of non-alcoholic events alongside the club nights. Think movie screenings, pub quizzes, craft sessions, sports taster days, escape rooms, scavenger hunts, or coffee mornings. These are great chances to meet other students in a relaxed setting, and they’re often just as popular as the louder alternatives. Check your Freshers survival guide or your student union’s website for full listings.
Explore societies and clubs
One of the best ways to find your people is through societies. From anime clubs and book groups to gaming, politics, volunteering and yoga, there’s something for everyone. Most societies run intro sessions or mixers during Freshers Week, many of which are alcohol-free. Head to your Freshers Fair to browse and sign up.
Use the week to settle in
If you’re not up for big social events, use the week to get comfortable in your new environment. Explore the campus, find your lecture buildings, do a big food shop, decorate your room, or take walks around your uni town. Getting familiar with your surroundings early can ease a lot of anxiety when classes begin.
Make the first move socially
One of the hardest parts of Freshers is making new friends. If you’re skipping group events, it might feel like you’re missing out, but you can still connect. Start by chatting to your flatmates in the kitchen, suggesting a shared meal, or joining a group to explore the town. Even messaging your course WhatsApp group can lead to meet-ups that aren’t party-based.
Talk to your student union
If you’re really not seeing events that suit you, don’t be afraid to talk to the student union or your uni’s wellbeing team. Most will be more than happy to help, and some may even direct you to specific networks, like quiet student groups or international meetups. Remember, part of their job is to make sure every student feels included.
Don’t feel pressured to drink or stay out late
If you do decide to attend a party or pub night, know this: there’s absolutely no expectation to drink. Order a soft drink, stay for a bit, and leave when you’re ready. True friends won’t judge you for skipping shots or heading home early. And if a club night really isn’t your thing, you’re not missing anything vital, Freshers Week is just the start of your uni journey.
Embrace your version of freshers
There’s no “correct” way to do Freshers. For some, it’s nights out and neon face paint. For others, it’s coffee meetups, quiet walks, and getting stuck into societies. However you choose to experience the week is totally valid. Uni is about finding independence and building the experience that works for you.
Want more support?
Our student writers have put together loads of guides, like mistakes to avoid during Freshers and how to stay healthy in Week One. You can also ask questions directly to our student experts if you’re still unsure about what to expect.