University: How to have fun without alcohol

Student life is typically seen as synonymous with alcohol. While it’s true that some undergraduates indulge in many boozy nights out, there’s ample fun to be had at university without alcohol.

Let’s explore beyond the typical nightlife, understanding alcohol’s impact on students, discovering reasons for teetotalism, and embracing a vibrant university culture without the excess.

Alcohol culture at university

Let’s begin with a big question: why is alcohol rife at university?

Most students are living away from home for the first time and can legally drink alcohol — that combination alone can quickly lead to excess. Add in exam and deadline stress, and it’s easy to understand how alcohol has become ingrained in university culture.

A study by Students Organising for Sustainability found that 81% of students see drinking and getting drunk as part of university culture.

53% of students reported drinking alcohol more than once a week, and 51% believe getting drunk is a ticket to a great night out.

Interestingly, 78% of students said they don’t have to be wasted to have fun — and they’re right.

The adverse effects of alcohol on students

Excessive drinking can harm your studies and affect your concentration, energy levels, sleep, and mental health. It also impacts whether you attend lectures and tutorials, complete your written work well and on time, and attend and perform in exams.

Drinking enough to impair your judgment can also put you at risk as you’re more likely to engage in risky behaviours like unprotected sex or getting in a car with a drunk driver.

Reasons students choose sobriety

Not all students drink alcohol. Many opt for sobriety — temporarily or permanently — for various reasons:

• Religion: Religious beliefs that advocate abstinence from alcohol.
• Health: Opting out for wellbeing.
• Financial: Trimming non-essentials from budgets.
• Medical: Medications or health conditions that don’t align with alcohol.
• Psychological: Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can be exacerbated by alcohol.
• Sleep: Sleep troubles often come with alcohol consumption.
• Alcoholism: Past alcohol-related struggles or familial history of alcoholism.
• Weight management: Alcohol is high in calories.
• Pregnancy: The NHS recommends that people don’t drink alcohol during pregnancy as it poses risks to the baby.
• Personal preference: Disliking the taste, hangovers, or the effect it takes on your mind or body.
• Short-term: Dry January, fundraising, or abstaining for a set amount of time.

Whatever your reasons, you’re not alone — one in seven UK adults are teetotal.

Fun things to do without alcohol

Realistically, you can do anything without alcohol that you can do with it. Yet, some experiences are less thrilling when everyone else is drinking and you’re sober.

We’ve gathered a list of activities that are undeniably more enjoyable without alcohol or are commonly relished sober.

1. Join a university society or club

When studying in Leeds, you’re in for a treat. Hundreds of student societies and clubs indulge in diverse hobbies and spark new passions.

While some may revolve around alcohol, many don’t. Approximately four in 10 sixth formers feel anxious about university initiation ceremonies, which occur on welcome nights for some societies and involve heavy drinking.

These ceremonies are more prevalent for sports societies, are prohibited, and should be reported to the union. You’ll find most welcome nights to be much calmer and welcoming.

Explore your university’s societies during Freshers’ Week and on your union’s website:

• University of Leeds: LUU societies and clubs — check out the High on Life society for weekly alcohol-free socials.
• Leeds Beckett University: LBSU societies.
• Leeds Trinity University: LTSU societies.
• Leeds Arts University: LAU societies.

To get a feel for a typical event, contact a society directly. Many societies are centred around specific activities like climbing, sewing, or board games.

You can opt for practical meetings and skip socials at pubs and bars if that’s more your style.

2. Host a games night

Round up your pals at your student accommodation for an affordable night in, packed with board or card games.

Classics like Cards Against Humanity are a blast without alcohol — and the best part? You’ll cherish every moment, and all the inside jokes will be remembered later.

Why not turn it into a weekly ritual and rotate hosting duties?

3. Catch a film or show

Leeds boasts a vibrant selection of cinemas and theatres where you can catch a film or show without any pressure to drink. How about a pre-movie meal, too?

Alcohol-free attendees stay alert and engaged throughout, getting the most from their tickets. Vue, Everyman, and Showcase offer grand experiences with plush seats and giant screens.

Indie film lovers will adore Hyde Park Picture House in Burley or the historic Cottage Road Cinema in Headingley.

For live performances, Leeds city centre won’t disappoint. Keep an eye on The Grand Theatre and Opera House, Leeds Playhouse, City Varieties Music Hall, and the Carriageworks Theatre for plays, musicals, ballets, and operas.

Seek out Slung Low for unique theatre experiences in unconventional Leeds spaces.

Additionally, smaller-scale productions often grace the town halls in the suburbs.

4. Work out

Exercise feels more rewarding when you’re not recovering from a night out. Plus, staying sober helps avoid dehydration that can lead to accidents — especially while handling heavy gym equipment.

Arriving at the gym sober means you’ll have ample energy to maximise your workout.

5. Plan a road trip

Road trips are a blast, especially when everyone can share the driving. Explore the Yorkshire coast with day trips to Whitby, Scarborough, or Skegness for arcade fun and fish and chips.

Closer to Leeds, delve into York’s historical gems for a memorable day. Opt for a multi-day camping and hiking escapade in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales or the Peak District for an extended adventure.