In Conversation with Sober Socials
Friday 08-09-2023 - 11:29
If you’re coming to uni with no intention of drinking or just don’t fancy drinking all the time then you are far from alone! We spoke to Evan, General Secretary for student society Sober Socials, about what it’s like to be a sober or sober-curious student at Lancaster and how to have all the fun of Freshers… just without the hangover!
What is ‘Sober Socials’?
“Sober Socials is a society that focuses on events where drinking alcohol is not the focus. We aim to create a space for people to not feel the social pressure of drinking that university can often bring. Our events are open for all, whether you drink or not, just know our events won’t include drinking!”
Do I have to drink in Freshers’ Week?
“No, you don’t! Even if it seems like everyone around you is drinking, there will be people around you who don’t want to get drunk every night, or drink at all. We will be running events all throughout Freshers’ Week in collaboration with different colleges covering a range of activities that should help you meet other people that don’t want drinking to be the focus of their time at university."
What if all my flatmates are drinking, will I fit in?
“I know that when I started university, I didn’t know if I would fit in or not. My flatmates were all understanding that I don’t want to drink and didn’t exclude me when they were doing pres in the flat. It is a good idea to get to know the people in your block as well. I went and played board games with other flats in my block quite often if my flat were going out clubbing.”
Where can I find other people who don’t drink?
“You will be able to find others like you at our events throughout Freshers’ Week, on our Instagram account and through our Discord.”
What are some of the misconceptions people have about being sober at uni?
“There are a growing number of students who are cutting down on their alcohol usage, or stopping completely. We aim to run events for these students!”
What is your #1 bit of advice for a new student worried about not drinking at uni?
“Don’t let social pressure get to you, stay strong with what you want to do, go out, meet new people and have a great first year.”
Thank you very much to Evan and the Sober Socials Exec for answering our questions about living your best student life without the alcohol. LUSU Vice President Welfare, Josh, added that “Drinking is a choice. There are plenty of ways to have a full and healthy University experience with or without alcohol and either choice is absolutely valid and okay!"
You can discover all the Students’ Union Freshers’ events including a range of sober activities on our Freshers’ site here. You can also look out for Sober Socials’ own schedule on their Instagram.
