SOAS Nightlife

Hi!

I'm really torn between SOAS and the University of Sheffield for 2015 and I think one of the major differences between the two will be that while Sheffield will provide a more 'normal uni experience' I've heard that SOAS will not... especially in terms of nightlife.

I wanted to ask what freshers' week at SOAS is like and also generally how often people go out and so on? Do the different departments have events for students to meet each other at the beginning of the year?

Also how expensive is London nightlife?
(I'm not really a massive party person but I think it would be super helpful to meet people that way during freshers)

Thanks!

Reply 1

SOASllbsurvivor

The nightlife at SOAS specifically is much like SOAS in general- it sucks. The bar is small, but that's ok since so many students are teetotaler fundamentalist types anyway and not much fun to start with. Even at that, it's usually far too crowded with West African drug dealers and other unwashed activist types droning on about occupying this and protesting that. Not exactly the sort of stuff most people consider a good time. Lord knows I didn't.

On the upside, if you simply don't put SOAS at the centre of your social life, things get a lot better. London is one of the capitals of the world in terms of culture. Yeah, Brick Lane, Soho and a few other touristy areas suck once you've done it or don't need party favours for a good time. But you will probably find great people nonetheless and fine places to hangout and live life to the fullest.

BTW, might want to see if you can get in on a London uni course somewhere other than SOAS- just my suggestion.

School of Oriental and African Studies

London

Reply 2

flanham

Original post by mollyjoy

This poster seems to have been a trash talker and a bit of troll.. He doesn't provide anything useful.

My friends go to university in London, and two are SOAS students/graduates. There are definitely places that accommodate students and these kinds of discounts make London a hell of a lot more livable. In my opinion, the two best times to live in London are when you are a student (discounts/student union/bars/etc) or if you're super rich and can afford everything.

I would personally rate it higher than Sheffield. :smile:

Reply 3

Clip

There is some truth in SOAS not having the greatest union, the students I know there are ex-UCL and are great fun. I think some of the undergrads can be a bit boring, though.

SOAS is also next to the London Union (now called Student Central or something) with its legendary Friday nights. You should also have no problem getting into the UCL unions -Mully's Karaoke on Saturday is usually raucous.

But moreover, London is one of the world's great cities. The only thing standing in the way of a good time would be finding the right people. I'm pretty sure you can join the UCL, ULU and IoE clubs as an associate member, though.

Reply 4

jonnymorrison

Original post by mollyjoy

I'm writing to you now while recovering from being out for 7 out of the past 9 days. Some of those nights were out with SOAS Students, and some were with other University of London students and random people I've met whilst being out previously.

We've had some amazing parties at Dinwiddy House, but you do have to be quiet (go out) by around 11pm-12midnight on weekends or risk getting fined for noise (only had that once :colondollar:

).

Basically, if you want opportunities to socialise, they are there for the taking. I enjoyed Freshers. The union did organise quite a few things, but had one main big night in a nightclub near Kings Cross (on a Tuesday once classes had started...fell asleep in my 9am Wednesday grammar lecture...) - it was a great night. When at a SOAS event, just say hello to everyone. Don't worry about remembering names in Freshers :tongue:

If you want to meet people, join societies and make an effort to speak to people on your course. I've had some really fun nights at the union bar, but only really once I knew people to go with. It's pretty cheap (for central London).

Regarding the price of going out in London, it can be expensive, sure. You can find places and nights that are cheaper, though. If you like cocktails, the London Cocktail Club on Mondays is 2 for £10. I've been to G-A-Y Late a lot this week, thanks to £1.70 drinks Sunday-Thursday and G-A-Y Camp Attack at Heaven is free entry on a Friday if you pick up a flyer or wristband from a guy on the street. As long as you try to budget (as I've failed miserably to do) you can still go out in Central London, no problem.

SOAS Nightlife

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