When you hear the words “university student” one of your first associations will be ‘binge drinking’. Both movies and television have long portrayed uni students to be chaotic, young adults ‘obsessed’ with their newfound freedom to go….WILD. What pop culture fails to take into consideration is that not everyone drinks. But if that’s the case, what is there to do at university other than drink? Welcome to my humble guide on my top five non-alcoholic activities to do in and around York:
Ready to lose?
The wonderful thing about crazy golf is that it makes even the timidest of people into competitive madmen, obsessed with victory. Can you blame them? It’s always nice to have bragging rights.
If you happen to also be a massive Harry Potter fan, there is a Harry Potter inspired crazy golf course based in York! Just a short walk from the Diagon Alley of York, the Shambles, there is The Hole in Wand, a nine-course long adventure. A short distance from York itself, there is a much larger crazy golf centre called Puttstars! Offering three different 9-hole courses; Zig Zag, Slingshot, and PinBall.
Become a food connoisseur
York is full of cafes and restaurants, each offering different foods. Fancy yourself a foodie? Then get yourself into York and visit each restaurant and cafe and discover new dishes. From England’s traditional fish and chips to the more exotic Japanese, and Gurkha-based menus – there is something for everyone’s taste buds.
Why not take the opportunity to expand your palate? We promise we won’t snitch if you post a sneaky picture of your food on Insta…
Learn something new!
In a city as old as York, it is hardly surprising that it possesses a large array of museums and galleries. From the Castle Museum, an enchanting experience that allows you to walk the streets of Victorian England, to one of the most popular attractions in the UK, JORVIK, an immersive Viking experience that shows you what it was like to live and work in Viking England.
Get crafty!
Fancy yourself something of a ceramic artist? Or do you have a creative streak? The Rainbow Ceramics Painting Studio offers the opportunity to make and paint your own mug, plate, or unique item. Not only is this experience fun and hands-on it is also affordable. Perfect for a student with a tight budget! The bonus of having your own personalised mug? No housemate can ‘accidentally’ use it.
Feel like you’ve exhausted York? Hop on the train!
Leeds is a marvellous city that is only a short, forty-minute train ride away. Like York, Leeds has an abundance of restaurants, galleries and museums. Including the famous Royal Armouries which has the armour of Henry VIII and weaponry from countries all around the world. Leeds is also home to two shopping centres – White Rose and Trinity. The perfect opportunity to reinvent yourself!
My list is by no means a complete one!
In addition to the activities listed, the University of York has a variety of societies that engage in non-alcoholic based activities, like chess, kayaking, and languages! The Sober Society also organises weekly activities for its members. This gives you the opportunity to meet other students that do not drink.
So don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do that don’t involve drinking at York. And there is absolutely no pressure to go on nights-out if you don’t want to!
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