If you don’t drink – for whatever reason – there’s still plenty of ways you can get involved during Freshers Week 2026!
You’re always welcome at any UPSU event and we always have tasty low-no alcohol options behind the bar, but we understand that attending drinking events as a sober person isn’t always what you want to do.
Have a look at the variety of non-drinking activities we have scheduled for September:
Brew & Bass
Monday 21st – Saturday 26th September, 8-10am, The Lounge
Start your morning with a hot drink and an early morning rave. There’s no better way to get the energy flowing for the day! This is free to attend.
Canvas & Caffeine
Monday 21st September – Friday 25th September, 10-11am, The Lounge
Get crafty, have a drink (caffeine is optional), and make some new friends in a more relaxed environment. Tickets available online now.
Shuffle!
Monday 21st September, 11am – 1pm, The Lounge
Enjoy a cosy setting to play board games, compete against new people, and find friends. Tickets available online, includes a free hot drink.
Speed Mates
Monday 14th & Tuesday 22nd September, 5-7pm, The Lounge
Play quick fire games, ice breakers, and quizzes to find like-minded students – they might just be your friends for life! Tickets available now.
Darts Tournament
Monday 21st September, 5pm, The SU
Make use of our newly installed Darts room by putting your skills to the test. Have you got what it takes to claim the prize pot? Only one way to find out! £2 on the door.
Weekly Student Events at UPSU
Quiz Night
Every Friday, 7pm, The SU
Put your brains to the test in our pub-style quiz. Each week a different sports club or society will host, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity. It’s a low-stakes way to have a laugh with new friends. £2 on the door.
Jam House
Every Thursday, 8pm, The SU
The best live music night for students; see the very best local and student bands perform, open mic slots available. Free to attend!
Karaoke Wednesdays
Every Wednesday, 7pm, The SU
Love to sing your heart out? Head down to our free Karaoke night every Wednesday – you’re bound to find like-minded singers here!
Fresher Fairs at The University of Plymouth
Feel Good Fair
Monday 21st September, 11am, Rolle Marquee
Meet local businesses, charities and services who can support you, offer volunteering opportunities, and make your Uni experience the best it can be.
Freshers Fair
Tuesday 22nd September, 10am, Rolle Marquee
Discover new brands, get goodie bags and freebies galore, enter giveaways, and find new local businesses you will love.
Sports Fair
Wednesday 23rd September, 10am, Rolle Marquee
Interested in joining a sports club? Come and meet them! Find out more and get to know some members from a variety of sports clubs available to join.
Societies Fair
Thursday 24th September, 10am, Rolle Marquee
If you’ve got a hobby or passion, you’re bound to find your people at this fair. Whether it’s Gaming or Gardening, there’s a society for you to join.
Taster Sessions: Many of our sports clubs and gym classes offer taster sessions throughout Freshers week and into September/October. Keep an eye on our Events page to find a session you’d like to join. Most of them are free, and are a great way to explore different activities before committing for a term or year!
Explore: our Explore programme is designed to help you settle in on campus, meet new people, and get out and about in Plymouth to enrich your time at Uni. Whether you want to get a guided tour of The Box, or enjoy a Beryl Bike trip through the city – check out what’s available and sign up to what takes your fancy.
Join a University of Plymouth Society or Sports Club
Joining a club or society is the best way to socialise as a fresher. Whether you’re a keen footballer, or have a passion for K-Pop – there’s almost definitely a group for you! Most clubs and societies (socs) host regular socials and/or training sessions, making them a great option for sober students.
Need support or advice about alcohol? Check out our Advice hub which offers free, confidential and impartial advice about a whole host of topics, including support around drinking.