worried about uni freshers
it seems really overwhelming and i’m already in a group chat with people going to my uni, most of them seem interested in the night life aspect of it and i’ve never really been a big drinker, never been clubbing or drunk. i have a drink now and again but in casual settings. i can get socially anxious and this is adding to my worries about making friends. what else can you do during freshers if you aren’t interested in that sort of stuff? or should i just give it a go?
There is so much to do at university, especially during freshers week, so do not feel that you have to start drinking more heavily to enjoy yourself. Don't get me wrong, you could try it and really enjoy it. There are plenty of societies and events where the emphasis is on something other than drinking or mainly consists of casual pub trips. There really is something for everyone so just enjoy it the best you can and don't really worry too much, everyone is in the same boat as you.
Original post by kkaaaaa
it seems really overwhelming and i’m already in a group chat with people going to my uni, most of them seem interested in the night life aspect of it and i’ve never really been a big drinker, never been clubbing or drunk. i have a drink now and again but in casual settings. i can get socially anxious and this is adding to my worries about making friends. what else can you do during freshers if you aren’t interested in that sort of stuff? or should i just give it a go?
Hi @kkaaaaa,
It's perfectly natur al to feel nervous about going to uni and you will not be alone in that feeling. Universities and students' uninons put on a wide variety of events and activities directed towards night-life partiers as well as non-drinkers, particularly during freashers' week to try and make sure everyone feels welcome and included in the university community. Societies are a great way to make friends as often people in a society will have things in common giving you something you can relate to. You may also make friends through your modules and lectures .
I hope this is a bit of a reassurace to you
Matthew
Student Ambassador
Original post by kkaaaaa
it seems really overwhelming and i’m already in a group chat with people going to my uni, most of them seem interested in the night life aspect of it and i’ve never really been a big drinker, never been clubbing or drunk. i have a drink now and again but in casual settings. i can get socially anxious and this is adding to my worries about making friends. what else can you do during freshers if you aren’t interested in that sort of stuff? or should i just give it a go?
Firstly, dont stress about it everyone just wants to have fun and thats the best thing to remeber. if you dont want to drink dont, its simple as that. no one is going to be forcing you to drink even in social clubs or sports teams you never have to do anything and no one thinks less of you.
for freshers week i would however, reccomend sugesting going to the pub with your housemates if its awkeward (spoons is a great idea) but you still dont have to drink just have a coke or something. then if you want to go and do something else look at SU events or maybe cook with your flatmates go do you weekly shop together anything like that helps.
and last but not least just throw yourself into everything just say yes for the first month or two and do as much as possible and youll find people you get on oith
Original post by kkaaaaa
it seems really overwhelming and i’m already in a group chat with people going to my uni, most of them seem interested in the night life aspect of it and i’ve never really been a big drinker, never been clubbing or drunk. i have a drink now and again but in casual settings. i can get socially anxious and this is adding to my worries about making friends. what else can you do during freshers if you aren’t interested in that sort of stuff? or should i just give it a go?
There really is so much more to uni than partying/clubbing! I’d recommend visiting the SU and signing up for a club/society you’d be surprised at what’s available. Maybe even do some research on the uni’s website/social media platforms ahead of arriving to give yourself something to look forward to and get excited about!!
Good luck,
Billie - Student Ambassador - Liverpool Hope University
Hello @kkaaaaa
Great advice above - I'd echo that you are not alone. I was in the same position as you in that I didn't drink and going out partying wasn't my thing. However when I arrived I found a few people in my flat and on my course who also weren't interested in that sort of thing. I'd definitely recommend going out with your flatmates a couple of times to get to know them, but I'm sure they will not think less of you if you didn't want to go night clubbing - that's really not the culture of university at all, I found university to be a place where all new students are in the same boat and fundamentally don't judge each other like people sometimes do at school. I'd recommend checking out the SU, exploring the place, trying out some of the coffee shops and eateries and perhaps joining a society in which you can meet people more like you (I joined the coffee society where we did tours of the various tea rooms around Bath!).
It seems scary now, but trust me this is totally normal and you will absolutely fly when you get there and settle in 🙂
Hope that helps and best of luck
Holly
University of Bath
Great advice above - I'd echo that you are not alone. I was in the same position as you in that I didn't drink and going out partying wasn't my thing. However when I arrived I found a few people in my flat and on my course who also weren't interested in that sort of thing. I'd definitely recommend going out with your flatmates a couple of times to get to know them, but I'm sure they will not think less of you if you didn't want to go night clubbing - that's really not the culture of university at all, I found university to be a place where all new students are in the same boat and fundamentally don't judge each other like people sometimes do at school. I'd recommend checking out the SU, exploring the place, trying out some of the coffee shops and eateries and perhaps joining a society in which you can meet people more like you (I joined the coffee society where we did tours of the various tea rooms around Bath!).
It seems scary now, but trust me this is totally normal and you will absolutely fly when you get there and settle in 🙂
Hope that helps and best of luck
Holly
University of Bath
Original post by kkaaaaa
it seems really overwhelming and i’m already in a group chat with people going to my uni, most of them seem interested in the night life aspect of it and i’ve never really been a big drinker, never been clubbing or drunk. i have a drink now and again but in casual settings. i can get socially anxious and this is adding to my worries about making friends. what else can you do during freshers if you aren’t interested in that sort of stuff? or should i just give it a go?
Hi,
I feel the same way toward drinking and nights out. Therefore, I had the same worry when I was heading to university. However, there will be plenty of activities that do not involve drinking, my university had vintage sales, sports taster sessions, movie nights etc.
I also want to encourage you, there will be plenty of other people who feel the same way, you are not alone feeling this way. At these kind of freshers events I mentioned above, you will meet other people who are the same and will make great friends there.
Hope this helps! Faye 🙂
Original post by kkaaaaa
it seems really overwhelming and i’m already in a group chat with people going to my uni, most of them seem interested in the night life aspect of it and i’ve never really been a big drinker, never been clubbing or drunk. i have a drink now and again but in casual settings. i can get socially anxious and this is adding to my worries about making friends. what else can you do during freshers if you aren’t interested in that sort of stuff? or should i just give it a go?
Hiya 😊
Hope the idea of Fresher's is feeling a bit less daunting now with everyone's advice!
Group chats can be tricky, especially before you've met people for the first time. Everyone is gonna be feeling a bit nervous about moving somewhere new, and sometimes the loudest voices in the group chat make you think everyone is gonna be like that. There'll be a few quiet ones too and you'll find your people when you get settled.
Definitely try and get out of your comfort zone when you get there and see what your uni has to offer. Go to as many of the daytime events as you can and you might surprise yourself with how social you can be without drinking. Find a society or club during welcome week that sounds interesting to you and go to a couple of the meet-ups. It's a lot easier to meet people you click with when you have a common interest.
You might find you prefer the slightly more chilled vibes of a kitchen party than going out clubbing. It's definitely cheaper and you can actually get to know your flatmates. I'd say stick to what you're happy and comfortable with in terms of drinking. Have a few (or none at all), but don't try to match your flatmates "drink for drink" especially if you're not used to alcohol. Drinking games can be a fun and sometimes hilarious way of breaking the ice and getting to know each other, but just take little sips on your turn or switch up the 'vodka & coke' for just coke, nobody is gonna know!
Enjoy the rest of the summer and have the best time when you get to uni!
Best wishes
Essex Student Rep - Hayley
Its actually fairly low-key and most of your time will be spent on Intro classes, library tours and other predictable stuff, and night-time is what you want. Yes some people will get off their faces on a nightly basis and be fit for b-all the next day, but the majority of new students are not total p*ss heads, and the Uni will provide lots of other stuff to do if you are not a party animal or don't drink.
As a minimum of 'going out', aim to go to the Friday Night bash with your flatmates - even if its 'I'll go for an hour' and see how it goes. For every other night there will be plenty of 'other stuff' - film nights, coffee crawls, guided walks, and plenty of other 'silly stuff', promise.
As a minimum of 'going out', aim to go to the Friday Night bash with your flatmates - even if its 'I'll go for an hour' and see how it goes. For every other night there will be plenty of 'other stuff' - film nights, coffee crawls, guided walks, and plenty of other 'silly stuff', promise.
Original post by kkaaaaa
it seems really overwhelming and i’m already in a group chat with people going to my uni, most of them seem interested in the night life aspect of it and i’ve never really been a big drinker, never been clubbing or drunk. i have a drink now and again but in casual settings. i can get socially anxious and this is adding to my worries about making friends. what else can you do during freshers if you aren’t interested in that sort of stuff? or should i just give it a go?
Hello! It can seem from an outside perspective that freshers week is all just clubbing and drinking, however, I spent a lot more time doing day activities during my freshers week than I did going out. At my uni we had a mix of activities to do during the day, such as craft sessions, information sessions, board games, sports, etc. There was also freshers fair which was a great opportunity to find societies that interested me and meet other people. Most universities have sober societies which do a range of non-drinking socials throughout the term!
When I did go out, there was a mix of people getting drunk, tipsy, or staying sober so there wasn't really any pressure to drink a lot which was a welcome surprise.
Lastly, please don't be concerned if you don't immediately click with people during freshers. The idea that you will meet your best friends in the first week is definitely not true for everyone. There will be so many opportunities to meet new people throughout the year through your course, societies, and accommodation. I recommend getting involved in as many activities as possible during first year and then narrowing down to what you are interested in the most in second year!
Best of luck with your university career
-Kat (Psychology UG Student @ Lancaster University)
When I started uni, I also wasn’t drinking or clubbing and haven’t started since. During my freshers’ week, I went to Intro classes, campus/library tours, and organized small trips to visit nearby green places. I tried out taster sessions for different sports and attended welcome social events with my department and accommodation community. I also spent time with people from my degree cohort and explored what the nearby town had to offer.
You’re definitely not alone in feeling that way. The first year of university can be incredibly intense, with a steep learning curve and a mountain of new responsibilities. It’s a period full of adjustments and challenges, and it’s completely normal to need some extra support along the way. That’s why I don’t hesitate to use https://ukwritings.com/ for a bit of additional help. Their services have been a lifesaver, especially during those times when the workload becomes overwhelming.
(edited 3 weeks ago)
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