Blog: How to have fun at university without alcohol

For most university students in the UK, the social experience is often associated with being centred around alcohol. Club nights at Fab, house parties, trips to the pub or Joe’s Bar. But what if you’re not a drinker? For some new students, it might seem that having a sober social life at uni isn’t possible, particularly during your first few weeks where there might be more of an emphasis to go out and drink to fit in.  Many new students can bond on a night out, and if that’s something you don’t feel comfortable joining in without drinking alcohol, you may worry about not making friends. 

But being a teetotal student doesn’t mean you won’t have a great ‘student experience’, and that you won’t find a community to belong to.  Far from it. In this blog, I’ll share my personal experience, and how I navigated University as a non-drinker, while still maintaining a fun, fulfilling social life.  

An alcohol-free Welcome 

Whether you’re moving into accommodation or commuting to campus, Welcome presents a chance to meet new people, especially Welcome Week. For a lot of students, it’s an opportunity to experience the city’s nightlife. However, there are a wide range of alcohol-free events and activities for you to enjoy and get involved in during this period. Most of these take place during the day on campus or online, and often there are sober socials which take place in the evening too. Keep an eye on the Welcome website for more details on those events.  

Join Societies  

UoB has over 300 student-led groups, which are an excellent way to meet like-minded people, engage in extracurricular activities and socialise. From baking to debate, you’ll surely find something you enjoy.  

In my first year, I personally joined both the ‘Ahlulbayt’ and ‘Islamic Society’: This allowed me to meet people of the same lifestyle and belief system (who also didn’t drink). so socialising without drinking didn’t feel challenging nor isolating.  

Both Islamic societies organise an annual charity hike across England each year, and as someone who loves the outdoors, this is something I’ve taken part in during my time at UoB. Not only have I made friends, but I’ve created unforgettable memories from these experiences. The pictures below are from my charity hikes to the Brecon Beacons and Mount Helvellyn! 

Both societies also hold weekly events, such as discussion circles, games nights and more: a great way to build friendships and de-stress after a long week of studying. I've also been a member of the Calligraphy Society (which served as my creative outlet!) and the Taekwondo Society.  

There’s also a ‘Sober Socials’ society which, as the name suggests, run alcohol free online and in-person events.  

Societies are a great way to make friends with people who have similar interests, and to socialise in ways that feel comfortable to you. To join any of the above student groups or to explore others, visit the Guild of Students website. Please note that some societies may require you to pay a small membership fee.  

I hope this blog reassures you that not drinking alcohol doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and make great memories. If, at any point, you need some support then reach out to one of UoB’s many support services.  

If alcohol is going to be a part of your life at uni, there are a few things you can do to look after yourself. Have a read of Drinkaware’s Welcome Week survival guide.