Blog: Having fun at uni as a non-drinker
Written by Piper
I’ve never been much of a drinker, so before moving to the UK, I often wondered if university life really revolved around pubs and parties. With the UK’s pub culture being so well known, I worried that not drinking might mean missing out on making friends. Once I arrived at the University of Birmingham, I quickly realised there were plenty of other ways to meet people, have fun and make unforgettable memories.
Check out What’s On for Students
If you’re wondering what to do outside your lectures, I’d really recommend checking out What’s On for Students, which you can find in the Events section of the MyUoB app. It was one of the first hidden gems I discovered after arriving in Birmingham.
There are always plenty of activities to choose from, whether you’re into sports, arts or simply want to try something new. The University also hosts seasonal events throughout the year, including light festivals, Christmas celebrations, and outdoor cinema nights. I’ve tried rock climbing and badminton, but one of my favourites is the Artisan Market. I discovered handmade perfumes, browsed decorations inspired by different cultures, and even came home with a knitted flower. Even a quick walk around brightens my day.
Find your people
Although I didn’t join a society myself, quite a few of my friends actually met through one. If you’re hoping to meet new people but aren’t really into pubs or parties, I’d definitely recommend finding a society that matches your interests.
With more than 300 student societies to choose from, there’s something for everyone. You don’t need any previous experience and don’t worry about being a beginner. Just being willing to give something a try is enough. Many friendships start with a single event or conversation, and people naturally connect through shared interests, similar cultural backgrounds or even similar goals. I find it a more natural way to make friends than socialising around alcohol.
Explore Birmingham
Birmingham has so much to explore, and you don’t need to plan anything complicated. If you don’t want to go too far, I’d really recommend The Vale. It’s just a short walk from campus, with a huge green space and a peaceful lake. On sunny days, you’ll always find students relaxing on the grass, chatting, or having picnics. I often lie back in the sunshine and simply enjoy doing nothing for a while.
If you’re heading into the city centre, the Bullring is great for shopping or grabbing something to eat with friends, while Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is well worth a visit. Birmingham is such a diverse city that you can enjoy food from around the world without ever needing to book a flight.
Spend time with friends
Spending time with friends doesn’t have to revolve around alcohol. My friends and I love grabbing discounted student tickets to see performances by the Royal Ballet, and it always feels like we’ve found a bargain. If we’re in the mood for something more active, we’ll book a gym class or plan a day trip to a nearby city.
If you’d rather stay in, you could organise a games night with card games, video games and table football, or even have a potluck where everyone brings a homemade dish to share. Sometimes, the simplest evenings turn out to be the most memorable.
If you’re not a drinker either, don’t feel like you have to change who you are just to fit in. University life doesn’t come with one right way to do it. The best memories often come from the people you meet, the places you explore, and the experiences you never expected to have.