While university students should spend their time studying and gaining knowledge in their chosen field, it can also be a place to try new experiences and find out who they truly are. You should aim for personal growth, as well as professional development, and this can be achieved by doing a range of different activities that you haven’t previously done. This can help you create long-lasting memories and relationships.
New students have a range of avenues that they could go down when it comes to finding the must-do activities in their area. From boozy nights out to photography hobbies to searching for the perfect reading haven, there is a lot to be getting on with. You will need a way to take a break and release yourself from the constant pressures of studying, and this guide will help you with that.
You need to have the best university experience possible during your first year. Continue reading for tips and advice on some of the must-do activities that you need to try as a new high education student.
Must-Do University Activities
Campus Events
University campuses are social settings where students can interact with each other and grow their relationships. Universities will often hold many different events where students get the chance to take part in an activity and socialise with other students. You can go as a fun group activity with your existing friends or go solo and make new friends.
There are often a variety of different campus events that universities can host, such as concerts, festivals, movie nights and festive celebrations. These give students the chance to get away from the stress of studying and enjoy the campus in a new way.
Pub Crawls
Drinking alcohol and going to bars or nightclubs has become a commonality of university student life with most new students having some of their first boozy experiences during their first year at university. Going around the local pubs in the area one after another can be a great way to form long-lasting friendships.
Most universities host their pub crawls, as they separate students into large groups and take them around several local pubs and bars. When drinking alcohol you must avoid indulging in other bad habits, such as smoking cigarettes. There are new alternatives like Velo Freeze that can help relieve the temptation.
Arts and Crafts
Getting into the creative zone and taking part in arts and crafts sessions at university is one of the best ways to relieve the stress of studying. It gives you a nice break from reading through academic literature and allows you to get a little messy by letting loose with some artwork.
There are many types of arts and crafts that you can get involved with, such as painting, woodwork or textiles. Take the time to create something that you can be truly proud of while also socialising with other people with similar creative interests. You could even generate some extra cash while at university by selling your artwork.
Exploration
If you’ve moved to a new area for university, you can take the time to explore your surroundings and get to know the place where you will be spending at least the next three years. There’s usually plenty to see around a university, as they are usually placed in a bustling city, such as Manchester or London. You could take a group of your new friends on the journey to enhance the fun.
Exploring any nature in the area can provide a nice break from the hectic university life and get you better connected with the outdoors. There are many psychological benefits to walking in nature, as it can boost your mood and prevent you from feeling anxious.
Game Nights
Playing board games or interactive party games with your friends can be an amazing bonding experience and can allow you to channel your competitive side. It’s affordable, so it’s perfect for university students. Throwing in some drinking rules can make the experience even more enjoyable and a great pre-drink activity.
You don’t just need to stay at home to have a game night, as many bars and cafes have games that you can play with your friends.
Join a Society
One of the best ways to find friends with similar interests is to join a society in which you have a specific interest. For example, if you join a law society you will get the chance to talk to others who have an interest in studying law. The societies that you can join will stretch from physical activities like football to specific movie niches, so there is something for everyone.
You can then do other activities as part of that society, such as going to bars together or planning a day trip somewhere.
Sports
Sports are great for bonding with people during your first year at university, as many sports will involve you taking part in a team to achieve a goal. You can then make long-term friendships with your teammates. Whether it’s football, basketball, rugby or something more niche, there will be people at your university who are as passionate about the sport as you are.
If you’re not keen on taking part in sports, you can still attend university sporting events and support those who are on the field. Many universities will encourage this to boost university morale.
Study Groups
While it might not seem fun at first due to it involving studying, being part of a study group can make it a much more fun activity. When you’re studying with your friends, it can make time go much faster and make the study breaks more enjoyable. If you’re facing similar struggles with your work, you can get help from those you trust the most.
Study groups also give you the chance to sit down with some coffee and snacks, as you not only excel with your work but also form stronger bonds with your friends. Study groups can also be very beneficial for students who speak different languages. For example, those who speak the Portuguese language can join study groups with others that share that language.
Conclusion
As you embark on your university journey, remember that it’s not just about academic success; it’s also about creating lasting memories with new lifetime friends. You can engage in a variety of activities beyond lectures, as you discover new passions, build meaningful relationships and make your first year of university one you’ll remember forever.
The most important thing to do when finding the best activities for you during your first year at University is to always do things you actually want to do and not be forced to take part in anything that you aren’t on board with.
