A few weeks ago I uploaded a post giving some suggestions for nights in at uni, now I'm going to do the same but for nights out! If clubbing isn't your thing but you want to spend your evening out with friends and are struggling to find an alternative to the sweaty dancers and blaring music, read on, I have a few suggestions!
GO TO THE CINEMA
New films are being released all the time and there's nothing like treating yourself to a cinema trip to go and enjoy them. Yes it's overpriced and you can just wait until they're released on DVD, Sky Films or Netflix, but the experience of going to the cinema can be such a good one if you're willing to let it be. When we were at uni, me and my boyfriend used to go to the cinema at least once a month. We'd put on comfy clothes, go to Tesco and grab a meal deal each, then head out for the late night showings when we knew it would be quiet - no, this isn't going to take a weird turn, we'd literally just go and enjoy watching the film. Get a tango ice blast, have a popcorn to share, and take your friends or partners to chill out for a couple of hours and lose yourself in the movie magic.
VISIT THE STUDENT PUB
So many of my friends that weren't up for a night out very often were up for a trip to our on campus pub, The Swan. Just because you don't like clubs doesn't mean you don't sometimes fancy a drink, you're maybe just after somewhere with a calmer atmosphere that feels a little bit safer and more controlled than a nightclub dance floor does. At Lincoln we had a student pub and a student bar, and both were perfect for meeting up with friends to enjoy a quiet drink. Student pubs are designed for students and most of the time members of the public aren't allowed in, so you know that everyone there attends the university. Often there are pool tables, board games and we even had a Wii in our student pub, all of which serves as light entertainment. If you don't want an alcoholic drink then you don't have to have one, but if you do, they're normally reasonably priced. Sometimes student pubs will have outdoor seating which is ideal for summer, and indoor for the cool winter months. They have a really laid back atmosphere, the customers and the staff are usually all students, and they're not too expensive!
EAT OUT IN A RESTAURANT
Is there anything more worthy of your money than food? I think not. Save up your student loan and at the end of the week go out with your friends and treat yourselves to some tasty restaurant food. Be it a cheeky Nandos, a Revolution burger, an Indian from your local or even some good old pub grub from the nearby Wetherspoons, go out and eat to your hearts content! Going out for a meal is such a good excuse to get dressed up and enjoy the taste of something other than the usual pasta dishes and stirfry's you make yourself. This one is particularly good for if you're wanting to try and be more sociable but don't have a lot of free time to dedicate to that endeavour. It usually only takes an hour or two to eat out at a restaurant, so you can be there and back in a flash!
GO TO A FOOTBALL MATCH
Please excuse the arrow on my head, this photograph is from my Instagram, and was taken ahead of me and Matt going to watch a Lincoln City match in January! Matt's an avid football fan and went along to see Lincoln play most weeks this year, occasionally I would join him! We were able to get very reasonably priced tickets from our Students Union, and the stadium was in walking distance with a Wetherspoons conveniently located en route, so we didn't spend much money on tickets, much money on drinks or any money on transport! If you like sports then check out what your uni city has to offer. There might be
all sorts going on that would work super well as an alternative to a night out!
PLAY A SPORT
As well as going to watch the football, Matt also played in a local 5-a-side team. He met one of its members while part of the kayaking society and was invited to try it out, then became a weekly regular! It was very laid back, no training was necessary (well it might have been if they ever actually wanted to win...) but he really enjoyed it as part of his social life! He met new people, got to spend some time away from the very compact Lincoln City Centre, and took part in a sport that he really enjoys! I went to watch him a couple of times too so it even made for some light entertainment for me!
GO TO A PUB QUIZ
Attending a pub quiz is a great opportunity to begin a weekly activity for you and your friends to actively engage in. You can take your mind away from uni stress and be certain that wont crop up because instead you'll be focused on getting the right answers and walking away with the prize. It's always a good idea to have something to do when you go out, especially if you find yourself struggling with social anxiety, if you have a purpose for being in that public place then you will hopefully feel a lot more at ease and comfortable. There wont be lulls in conversation, in fact there wont be too much conversation at all, instead it'll be quick whispers of the answers and mini debates about what to write when you're stuck! Most pubs offer a quiz during the week to try and bring in clientele, you don't need to drink, in fact it's probably better if you don't! Just go along and put your general knowledge to the test.
GO TO A GIG
At the Uni of Lincoln our Engine Shed plays host to the Freshers Fayres, the infamous midweek club night known as Quack, but also functions as a space for concerts, gigs and comedy shows. A great alternative to a night out is going to see some live music. Be it at a venue like the Engine Shed that hosts some well known bands and artists, or just at the local pub on their open mic night - which you could even take part in if you have the talent for it!
I hope these few suggestions provide you with some inspiration for your uni nights out away from the club! Thank you for reading, please feel free to subscribe (right at the very bottom of the page) to receive regular updates on future posts!