University of York drinking culture
Hiya!
I just wanted to ask any current / former students about the drinking culture at the university of York,I’m quite anxious and a light drinker who has never been clubbing and doesn’t really intend to.I was wondering if theres opportunities to make friends outside of this who are up for doing non drinking activities as I’d look to join the dance or F1 society whilst at uni!
Many thanks!
I just wanted to ask any current / former students about the drinking culture at the university of York,I’m quite anxious and a light drinker who has never been clubbing and doesn’t really intend to.I was wondering if theres opportunities to make friends outside of this who are up for doing non drinking activities as I’d look to join the dance or F1 society whilst at uni!
Many thanks!
Reply 1
Original post
by AnonymousHiya!
I just wanted to ask any current / former students about the drinking culture at the university of York,I’m quite anxious and a light drinker who has never been clubbing and doesn’t really intend to.I was wondering if theres opportunities to make friends outside of this who are up for doing non drinking activities as I’d look to join the dance or F1 society whilst at uni!
Many thanks!
I just wanted to ask any current / former students about the drinking culture at the university of York,I’m quite anxious and a light drinker who has never been clubbing and doesn’t really intend to.I was wondering if theres opportunities to make friends outside of this who are up for doing non drinking activities as I’d look to join the dance or F1 society whilst at uni!
Many thanks!
Hello!
Firstly, I'm so sorry for our late reply, I hope we can still help 😊
There will of course be social events, nights out and activities that involve alcohol, as you'll find at most UK universities. However, being a non-drinker won't stop you from making friends, establishing a community and finding your home at York. Watch Cara's video on her favourite non-drinking activities at York.
There are loads of societies at York's Students' Union that you can get involved in; it sounds like you might be interested in some of the following:
During Welcome Week, the Students' Union holds a "Freshers' Fair" where nearly every society, plus lots of local businesses, will have a stand, and new and current students can walk around the fair, collecting freebies and speaking to any societies they're interested in joining. Societies then usually host taster sessions in the first couple of weeks of Semester 1, where anyone can go along and see if it's "for them" before joining the society properly.
As well as societies, there'll be lots of opportunities to meet new people through your flat, college and course. In my experience, there wasn't a stigma around not drinking, and I often joined in on events involving alcohol, but just drank soft drinks instead.
I hope this helps! If you've got any other questions about life at York, please let us know and we'll do our best to help.
Hannah 😀
Reply 2
I can't lie, I thought there would be less drinking at York, but there drink culture here is pretty big. I do feel left out sometimes for not drinking. I saw something the other day saying York was #5 for drinking in the UK but I don't know how true that is. Unfortunately, it is a big thing everywhere, even with societies, but there are some that don't drink or prefer to do non drinking things. Some societies occasionally do non-drinking events. You'll probably have the same issue at all unis tbf. I don't regret being someone who doesn't drink much (can't afford it either) but it can be isolating at times. I'm not a non-drinker, but I don't do it often at all, whereas most people in my flat go out at least 3 times a week (Wed, Fri, Sun).
Reply 3
Original post
by AnonymousHiya!
I just wanted to ask any current / former students about the drinking culture at the university of York,I’m quite anxious and a light drinker who has never been clubbing and doesn’t really intend to.I was wondering if theres opportunities to make friends outside of this who are up for doing non drinking activities as I’d look to join the dance or F1 society whilst at uni!
Many thanks!
I just wanted to ask any current / former students about the drinking culture at the university of York,I’m quite anxious and a light drinker who has never been clubbing and doesn’t really intend to.I was wondering if theres opportunities to make friends outside of this who are up for doing non drinking activities as I’d look to join the dance or F1 society whilst at uni!
Many thanks!
Hiya 😄
I’m a current final year Computer Science student at the University of York, and I promise you - I really understand this feeling.
When I was starting uni, I had the exact same worries. I’m a light drinker, I don’t really go clubbing, and I remember thinking, “What if that’s how everyone makes friends?”
But honestly? It wasn’t.
Most of my closest friends came from badminton and music. Badminton especially; you see the same people multiple times a week, you train together, you travel for matches, you’re exhausted together, you celebrate wins (and complain about losses) together. That shared experience naturally turns into friendship. Not because of alcohol, just because you spend real time with each other.
Music was similar. Performing, rehearsing, messing around with instruments, supporting each other at showcases; it creates such a genuine bond. You connect over something you love, and that feels so much more meaningful than small talk in a loud club.
Yes, there is a drinking culture at York (and at a lot of other UK unis). But it’s not the only culture. And it’s not mandatory. After the first couple of weeks, everything settles. Social life becomes brunches, late-night chats in someone’s kitchen, society practices, study sessions, spontaneous walks into town, movie nights. The friendships that stick usually come from those quieter moments anyway.
If you’re already thinking about Dance or F1 Society, that’s such a good sign. You’ll meet people who are there because they genuinely care about the same things you do. That’s where “your people” are.
You absolutely do not need to club to belong here. I didn’t and I never felt like I missed out on the friendships that mattered.
You’ll be okay! 😄
~ Lurvïsh
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