Gen Z Sobriety
Freshers week, welcoming new students to university, is typically a drunken, messy affair. It involves themed parties, pub crawls, and hangovers that last most of the week. But something strange has been happening across the UK over the past week. Universities and student associations are hosting more and more alternative social introductions, focused on hobbies and wellbeing as opposed to alcohol and partying. This unexpected shift to sobriety seen amongst Gen Z students reflects a broader cultural change, where the next generation are swapping beers and clubs for more wholesome practices such as yoga sessions and picnics.
Marianne from Normal People / Courtesy of HBO via Cosmopolitan
The modern influx of university students certainly appears to be more health-conscious than those of generations past. Fewer and fewer young people are interested in getting blackout drunk; instead, they promote ideas of self-awareness and vitality. More appealing activities which have swept across the universities include games of ultimate frisbee, K-Pop dance classes, and even board game nights. Many institutions in Scotland have even replaced the notorious "Freshers Week" with the less evocative "Welcome Week." A mass turnout of students at the University of Aberdeen even disregarded the party norm in favor of attending a yoga class followed by a picnic. One can even partake in a virtual murder mystery. On the steady rise since the pandemic four years ago, these more diverse activities being sought by the younger generation resonate with the growing interest in inclusivity and the increasing regard for health and wellbeing.
This shifting dynamic of Gen Z freshers reflects a broader cultural change away from alcohol. While there will inevitably remain pub trips, cheap alcohol evenings, and the like, it would seem this new generation is much more interested in broadening their social activities to accommodate a vast range of pleasurable pastimes. This also reflects a broader shift than merely personal decisions. The inclusivity associated with these wider-ranging activities negates the pressures to fit in with a drinking crowd, offering a reprieve from that toxic environment. This paradigmatic change in cultural perspectives offers far more opportunities for a non-discriminatory, all-inclusive atmosphere. Those who are more interested in sober or wellness activities for cultural, religious, or personal reasons are just as likely to be welcomed as those looking for a week-long bender.
These changes being seen at freshers events across the UK signify a greater shift of attitudes amongst society in general. The growing demand for events and activities promoting wellness, mental health, and inclusivity indicates the importance being placed on these societal values, instead of more traditional ones, such as drinking, clubbing, and (to a lesser extent) smoking. This emerging trend from Gen Z students should be viewed positively, a beneficial change from the typical “work hard, party harder” mentality often associated with this generation. Where a clean lifestyle and empathetic relationship with mental health are becoming new status symbols, young people are taking a more mindful approach to life.
This visible shift towards sober events at THE time and place for cheap alcohol with limited consequences is breathtaking to behold. As toxic drinking culture and the need for social validation continue to decline, in its place are ideas of sustainable living and a commitment to individual wellness in all its forms. So, the next time you may be feeling the pressure of having an alcoholic drink, take some inspiration from university students. Whether it be a silent disco, a wellness walk through the woods, or a sober night playing board games, there is an abundance of fun alternative activities.
