Uni of Warwick circling

Hey! I just wanted to ask any current or former Warwick students about what circling is like? it’s sounds super intimidating to me as I’ve heard stories about being made to drink and eat disgusting foods as punishments! I was looking at joining the dance society and would like to attend socials,but from what I’ve heard it sounds scary 🫣

Current Warwick student here and exec of a society that circles! We normally reserve the worst for the people we know quite well + will respond well. Especially if we know you are a first year, we don’t usually do anything at all (unless you screw up many times, then it will be something mild, like trying to pour a drink in your mouth). Also you can always say no! Really, we will always respect a no, and we don’t judge you for it! No need to be scared

Hi, I’m a current Warwick student. Circling can sound scary online, but in reality it really depends on the society.
From my experience, most societies are very clear about consent and no one is forced to drink or do anything they are uncomfortable with. There are usually non drinking options and people can opt out at any time. Especially for societies like dance, the focus is much more on socialising and having fun rather than punishments.
If you are unsure, you can always go to a social and just observe at first. People are generally very understanding.

ah okay thank you! Are most societies okay with people not drinking (I’m a light drinker but probs wouldn’t drink on my first circle) x

Hi!
I'm currently a final year student and would definitely say most societies are okay with that! I've seen lots of people just have squash or water and it's totally fine 🙂
As for your other question, you could definitely speak to the social secs beforehand at any sober socials that the society does to get a feel for how they tend to run the circles. Attending the sober socials first can also just help get an idea of what the society is like in general and if you feel like you'd get along with the people. Going with a few friends can also make it less intimidating at first!
Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Best wishes,
Jasmine (Student Ambassador)

ah okay thank you! Are most societies okay with people not drinking (I’m a light drinker but probs wouldn’t drink on my first circle) x

In my experience at other societies, and the attitude my society operates with, no one minds! Genuinely no one even notices because all the drinks are some shade of purple, and you have to be really looking carefully to notice which one is squash and which one is the squash+alcohol. And everyone is trying to remember the rules of whatever game we are playing at any moment so no one is really analysing drinks.
On the other side of things, for my society (and this is the case for other societies as well), we also have one exec member who is quietly sober to just watch out for everyone and ensure no one is too drunk/sick/uncomfortable. There is really a heavy emphasis on enjoying yourself and only doing what you feel fine doing. I'd recommend bringing a group of friends along and you can all have a laugh together.
There is also at least one break (circling is from about 7.30pm-10pm ish), if not more for when people need to refill on drinks. So you can try it and take that opportunity to leave if you find its not really you're thing