The words ‘first year at uni’ often conjure up images of students partying until 3am, drinking heavily and “borrowing” traffic cones. While there will certainly be lots of parties for you to go to in your first months at university, there are also plenty of things to do where you can meet new friends and try new things that don’t require a beer in hand (unless you really want one!).
As many of you will have experienced with alcohol-free accommodation in Week One, our work with Club Soda and our pizza and film nights as part of World Mental Health Day, plenty of fun can be had without partying or drinking alcohol.
For starters, SUBU’s LEGGIT challenge is an exciting opportunity to team up with like-minded students and get as far away from BU in the time provided while raising money for a great cause. The catch? You can’t spend any money on transport! Legend has it a team once made it to the Sahara Dessert in just 36 hours… There are two LEGGIT information events next week, check SUBU’s event listings on Facebook for more information.
Volunteering can be a great way to meet new people, and it’s also a chance to give something back and get that warm fuzzy feeling that comes with it – there’s everything from 5-minute volunteering projects and beach cleans, to supporting SportBU’s RELAYS team and University Music events through to working with and supporting charities and organising fundraising opportunities.
If you’re living in halls, there will be lots of activities organised by ResLifeBU which you can get involved in throughout the year if you live in BU managed accommodation. Visits from dogs to de-stress and fundraising events are just some of the things you could enjoy. Find details on the ResLifeBU Facebook group or ask one of your Resident Assistants.
And if you’d just like to explore, how about a tour of London or Oxford this month? Coaches leave from Talbot Campus and the trips include guided tours, but also plenty of free time for shopping or exploring on your own.
Find out all about the local history at the world-famous Stonehenge with a tour of the historic site that also includes a visit to Salisbury and the New Forest. Salisbury is well-known for it’s cathedral and the New Forest is a beautiful National Park where ponies roam free – right on Bournemouth’s doorstep.
Also on offer is a trip to Thorpe Park for Fright Night – a day of thrills and terrifying attractions at the theme park ahead of Halloween. Or if you prefer Christmas to Halloween, why not join the trip to Bath for the Christmas Market.
You can find out more about the day trips & tours and book your place by visiting the What’s On page of SUBU’s website.
If you want to relax, but get fit at the same time, SportBU’s Pilates or yoga classes might be for you – or if you’re looking for something more competitive, the campus sports programme offers a great variety of activities from those you can drop-in to right through to organised leagues.
Check out the weekly timetable of activities for the full range of activities you can get involved in.
So have fun and get involved, there’s a lot going on alongside the parties!