Freshers week often comes hand in hand with the expectation of drinking so many dodgy cheap cocktails that you barely make it home. And for many new students, there is no doubt that will be the case. But getting black-out drunk isn’t for everyone.
Whether it be for health or religious reasons, or just a simple personal choice, many students will be feeling nervous about not drinking during Freshers Week. But, don’t worry! Non-drinkers don’t have to miss out on the fun.
Daytime activities during Freshers Week are often overlooked for the crazy nightlife. However, there is always so much more going on than club nights with shots and glow sticks. Your students union is a great place to get the low-down on these events. They will often include quiz nights, sports events and even ‘food crawls’.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t get involved when other people in your halls are planning a big night. Going out doesn’t mean that you have to drink alcohol. Most people are understanding, and don’t care if you drink or not – everyone is just as nervous as you are. So, don’t feel like you have to miss out on a night out, just because you won’t be drinking!
Most importantly, though, is to not let yourself feel pressured. There may be the odd person who will try to make you feel weird about not drinking and try to pressure you into having a drink. Stand your ground. If people can’t respect your personal decisions, are they really the kind of people you want to be friends with anyway?
University is a new step in life, and as such, comes with a bucket-load of expectations. But Freshers Week is about having fun and meeting new people, not about who can drink the most alcohol. So, be yourself, stick to your decisions, and people will be happy to have you around – sober or drunk.
