When people think about Welcome, they often picture club nights and drinking. While those events can be part of the experience, they're far from the whole story.
When people think about Welcome, they often picture club nights and drinking. While those events can be part of the experience, they're far from the whole story.
Whether you don't drink at all, only drink occasionally, or simply don't fancy going out every night, there are plenty of ways to make friends and enjoy your first few weeks at the University of Birmingham.
One thing I wish I'd known before arriving is that there are loads of alcohol-free events during Welcome. The Guild runs a mix of daytime activities, relaxed socials, international events, fairs, and evening events, and you can even filter events by "Alcohol Free" when planning your Welcome Week. There's genuinely something for everyone. Sober Socials is a society that would be worth checking out, it doesn’t matter whether you drink or not as long you do not bring alcohol to their events.
If you're living in university accommodation, keep an eye out for events there too. They're not just for first years – returning students living in accommodation can get involved as well. Throughout the year there are free socials, games nights, craft sessions, wellbeing activities, sports sessions, and community events designed to help you meet people in a more relaxed setting.
It's also worth saying this because a lot of people don't: you never have to drink to fit in. Especially in first year, it can feel like everyone is going out every night, and there can be a bit of pressure to join in. The reality is that plenty of students choose not to drink, or only drink occasionally. Most people won't care what's in your cup, and the people worth being friends with certainly won't.
That doesn't mean alcohol-free events are only for non-drinkers either. You might enjoy a club night one evening and a board game social or craft event the next. Welcome is all about finding the balance that works for you. Some of the best conversations happen in quieter settings where you can hear each other.
My advice is simple. Don't feel like your university experience has to look like anyone else's. Go to the events that genuinely interest you, try something different, and don't be afraid to mix things up.
Welcome isn't about how many nights you go out. It's about meeting people, finding your place, and starting university in a way that feels right for you.
Written by Residence Life (Wellbeing) Assistant, Nikhil