We've all learnt how to have a great night out, what about an amazing night in? Whether you're saving your student loan, dreading the weather or just fancy staying in, read on to find out how to have a great night while in halls/student accommodation.  

Not every weekend needs to involve staying up late and drinking alcohol, some of the most memorable nights you'll have in university will be the nights in with your friends and flatmates.  

At Home Alcohol-Free Drinks 

Interested in drinking something fun without the alcoholic factor? Why not try your hand at creating your own bubble tea/boba or inventing your own mocktails. - they don't need to break the bank, you could experiment with what you and your flatmates already have in the cupboards. 

Easy Crafts 

Small, easy crafts projects are always a hit and a great bonding activity, you could spend an evening decorating your shared living spaces, hanging some fairy lights and photos in the living room to set a cosy vibe, or even craft some jewellery together, such as beaded bracelets and earrings. No prior artistic skills needed, just bring your creatively and an open mind!  

Book Club 

Avid reader, or want to be? You could start your own book club or book swap with your flatmates and discover your new favourite book. Check out the wellbeing space on level four of our Frenchay library, featuring a handpicked selection on fiction and nonfiction books for our students to enjoy, or the Bower Ashton Community Corner Book Swap shelf! 

Make sure you sign up for a library card when you move to Bristol! You're guaranteed to never be too far from a library, with 27 libraries operating around the wider Bristol area. 

Board Games 

Board games are a great way to spend an evening, whether playing a classic like Monopoly or trying your hand with something more modern. Explore the board game options available in store such as at Rules of Play, located in Saint Nicholas's Market or Excelsior, located in Broadmead- staff will be on hand to help you choose the best fit. Want to try before you buy? The Student's Union on both Frenchy and Glenside campus feature a selection of board games you are welcome to use while in the space.  

UWE and The Students' Union Hosted Events 

If you want to leave your flat but stay on campus, you're invited to spend an evening attending one of our Freshers Welcome events!  Just a few taking place as part of UWE's Welcome include: Pub quiz and Free Mocktails, Move In Chill at The SU, Student Life Welcome Party or Music Sport and Food Party. All free events, featuring free food, friendly conversation and great vibes- attend alone or with a friend.  UWE's Student Life runs year round so make sure to check their website regularly for more fun nights on campus.  

Have a look at the full SU events list here: Events

Considering going sober? Read our article on Sober Curiosity and how to effectively start your sober curious journey. 

Want to make new friends without going on nights out to the club ? Why not join a society such as Whimsy and Co., a self-described ‘cosy, creative and welcoming society for students looking to make friends, explore their creativity and add a little magic to university life through crafts, cafés, picnics, movie nights and more’, or give Film Society a try, they screen two films a week on Frenchay campus, free of charge- no membership purchase require to attend.
Take a look through our society pages to find the right group for you ! 

Image Credit : Vitaly Gariev