Freshers' Week – perhaps infamously anticipated by many new students as likely to be the party-est, most social week of their entire lives. But in recent years, there’s been an undeniable shift away from pure drinking culture and towards a more well-rounded introduction to university life.
This blog explores this change of attitude, from how universities themselves have rebranded Fresher’s Week and why Gen-Z students now view it differently, as well as considering the opinions of those who are still in favour of the ‘traditional’ Fresher’s experience and believe in a firm focus on university nightlife.
The big rebrand of Fresher’s Week:
One of the most notable changes in recent years is that many universities have taken active steps towards rebranding Freshers' Week. Many have now re-named it ‘Welcome Week’ to make it feel more inclusive and promote a shift away from drinking culture. In addition, new students can now attend a variety of sober events, from outdoor BBQs and picnics, to yoga classes, film screenings and coffee mornings. Whilst there are still plenty of drinking-based events during Fresher’s Week, they’re no longer considered the only type of events that new students can look forward to.
Some of the reasons behind this shift may be an increase in the number of spiking incidents in recent years, a significant growth in the number and diversity of students who do not want to drink due to personal reasons or religious beliefs, as well as the current cost of living crisis. This also reflects the broader societal shift that Gen Z is a much more health-conscious generation that drinks far less than those before them. Building on this point, students also no longer see clubbing and drinking as being inextricably linked, with many being happy to spend a sober night out with their friends.
As well as the events that run during Fresher’s Week itself, many universities have also extended this inclusive attitude towards student accommodation. For example, some now offer new alumni the chance to choose a ‘quiet’ flat, whilst others, such as St. Andrews, even have an option to reside in an alcohol-free one. Such a move can be useful in helping to pair like-minded students together from the start, and prevent common disputes amongst flatmates. If you are looking for a slightly quieter place to stay, purpose-built student accommodation, such as private flats and studios are always a good bet, with plenty available on sites such as Accommodation for Students.
Should Freshers Week stay as it was?
However, not everyone is in favour of the recent change in attitude towards Fresher’s Week. Indeed, many continue to view it as a rite of passage into adulthood, with others arguing it is a life-shaping experience which forces young people to face new situations and shapes their beliefs going forwards. There’s also no denying that it can be much easier to make friends and put yourself out there when attending events where you can drink and let off some steam.
Nevertheless, it is still very possible to have a ‘traditional’ Freshers experience for students who want it. Indeed, there are still multiple bar crawls and clubbing events which take place during Welcome Week. In this sense, the shift in mindset towards Fresher’s does not exclude students who still want to drink, but is simply more accommodating towards those who don’t. And it could be argued that it is a far better way for like-minded people to make friends, since it allows people who enjoy clubbing and drinking to meet one another, whilst enabling those who don’t to attend other events with similar students.
This change in mindset also recognises that not everyone might feel comfortable going clubbing or drinking straight away. For many students, leaving home for the first time and moving to a new city can feel extremely overwhelming, and it’s entirely reasonable if they don’t feel ready to ‘let loose’ just yet. By putting less pressure to drink and go clubbing in Fresher’s Week, it gives such individuals a chance to settle in and mean they may feel more open to attending drinking events or nights out during the year. It also gives students greater flexibility in Fresher’s Week and allows them to get the best of both worlds - going out some nights, and attending sober events on other days.
Freshers' Week is what you make it!
There’s no denying that there has been a monumental shift in the attitude towards Fresher’s Week. Unlike the early 2000’s where there was a near-exclusive focus on drinking culture and nights out, there is now a much more rounded attitude. This change has been reflected by universities themselves who have rebranded it as ‘Welcome Week’, as well as the general student body who are now actively seeking more sober events to attend. Nevertheless, despite this overall shift, Fresher’s Week remains highly varied and individualised, meaning new students can choose to have a more ‘traditional’ experience, exclusively attend sober events or enjoy benefitting from a mix of both!
