Before you even officially start University, the first thing you hear about is nights out. Fresher wristbands, special nights, student deals. It is a continuous flow of clubbing advertisements. But, what no one tells you is that there will be much more for you to do than just party. Don’t get me wrong, I love a night out with my friends: dressing up, good company and great music. But there is much more to entertain your student self than just clubs. I have made some of my best memories with my friends by doing a variety of activities that some students wouldn’t even think about.
Uncertified Beauticians
Nights in are some of the most underrated times at university. One of my favourite nights involves grabbing comfy clothes, scissors, hair dye, a bottle of cheap wine and changing up appearances in one night. Turning a willing brunette to a blonde or adding a variety of colours into your best friends hair not only can make you look good, it will undoubtedly produce some of the funniest and happiest memories with your friends.
I will say, if you are regularly dying your hair with box dye please make sure you keep your hair well moisturised with hair masks and conditioners over time to keep it in the best condition possible. Also, please be aware that, if you want it professionally dyed, later on, you need to be honest and state what dyes and colours you have used. Even if it was six months ago. I would also recommend watching a few videos first so you don’t majorly ruin your friends’ hair!
Come Dine With Me…University Style
A great aspect of university is that you are likely to meet a variety of different people from a collection of different locations, whether in the UK or internationally. With this comes some very good new food to try. Try planning out a night where you and your friends will cook for each other; maybe once a week? This gives you a chance to make your family’s recipes and show your friends a little aspect of your home life.
Not only will this help a budding friendship grow. It will also fill you up with some new exciting recipes that you didn’t need to pay an extortionate amount of money from an expensive restaurant for. If you want to go full Come Dine With Me, you can rate each other’s dishes and reward the winner at the end with whatever you choose. Sharing food is a great way to have some lighthearted yet interesting fun after a long day of lectures.
Movie Nights
Movie nights are an absolute classic evening activity that most people enjoy. However, when multiple opportunities for nights out arise, it often gets disregarded as boring. People forget how important it is to slow down every now and then. Sometimes adding a busy night out to your already stressful day can just exaggerate the issue. It is ok to say no to something if you need a break, and it is definitely ok saying yes to a movie night instead.
No matter whether you are alone or with friends, a film will help you take your mind off of the multiple things on the to-do list you haven’t managed to complete, and give you about two hours of relaxation instead. Make the most of your cosy evening by getting those pyjamas on, a hot drink and the softest blanket in your possession and go full sloth mode. It is ok to relax.
Day Time Activities
Day time. A strange concept for most university students, but an underestimated one too. Depending on where your university is based, there are a variety of things to keep you entertained that most overlook. Museums, galleries, cafes, bookshops, malls, even a good public park. All of which are usually just around the corner from your University.
Museums and galleries are often a great, and cheaper, option for entertainment. With many places having a fee-free entry for students, you and your friends can spend some quality time together getting to know those little details you never thought to ask on the dance floor. Cafes and bookshops are great options for when you need a little break from the busy world of revision and essays. Whether by yourself or with others, the change of scenery will not only bring some welcomed entertainment but will help your mental health too.
The ever underestimated public park is a fantastic choice for a variety of activities. With many having tennis courts, basketball courts, football goals and even the odd set of outdoor gym equipment, it can not only help you get that well needed Vitamin-D but some exercise too. If vigorous exercise is not on your agenda, the lockdown favourite of a walk will still get your blood pumping in a more relaxed style. When you have what feels like 100 deadlines due, it is easy to forget the important aspect of life called fresh air. Break up your day by adding in one small outside activity to help renew your mind and stretch your body so you don’t go insane by the time you finish your last piece of work.
Relax
I have had some fantastic nights out, granted. But nights in are a firm favourite for me. I can guarantee you, that if you try any of the suggestions above, you will create some of your favourite memories at university. Many students start to feel obligated to go on every night out available to them so they don’t miss anything that happens while they’re gone. But, this can quickly lead to burnout. It is ok to take a break from going out if you need it! Remember to take it easy every so often and enjoy a different kind of fun with a different activity instead.
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