Forgotten nights, banging headaches, and hangxiety. This brutal trio I’m sure most of us have experienced, me included. Whilst blacking out on a night-out seems like a good idea beforehand, the morning after tends to disagree. The constant racking of your mind for a shred of any memory, questioning why there is a half-eaten kebab next to your bed or wondering how you even got home. Is clubbing really what it’s made out to be, or is it just some over-hyped phenomenon that ends in empty bank accounts and throbbing heads?
Moving to university is already an extremely nerve-racking time, but the club culture can come as a shock to some. Many students see a five-day bender in freshers’ week as the norm and feel compelled to keep up with the excessive drinking and partying lifestyle throughout the year. But in past years we have seen a definitive cultural shift. Sobriety is on the rise, and increasing numbers of young people are ditching the alcohol and opting for sober clubbing or nights in instead. This new idea of a ‘good night’, involving comfy clothes, self-care and a good movie, makes me wonder whether students still see clubbing as a university rite of passage?
FOMO. This is certainly a common feeling, and often one of the main reasons students feel pressured to go out. I’m sure many of us have fallen victim to the ‘fear of missing out’. Even if we don’t really want to go, there’s something in our brains telling us we must. But social media has fostered a change, romanticising cosy nights in with friends and fun themed dinners. Now, the ‘joy of missing out’ is something many people have embraced, especially at university, opting for a flat night-in over hitting the town.
Whilst being a student comes with its perks (student deals and cheap drinks), it can still take quite a hit on your bank account. Club entries, alcohol and ubers add up overtime, and many students are often left with little money for necessities like food. The cost-of-living crisis has called for more mindful spending, so sometimes staying in is the smarter option.
With this in mind, many students have begun throwing house parties, a cheaper alternative to going out but still involving drinking none the less. Themed parties, or a big pre-drinks, have risen in popularity. A more affordable option, it is evident why dressing up as something beginning with the first letter of your name and drinking a bottle of wine is more appealing than spending a fortune on watered down drinks in clubs.
In recent years, we have seen health and wellness trends take the internet by storm, with the clean girl aesthetic becoming a staple on many of our feeds. With an emphasis on simplicity and sophistication, the clean girl look does not involve getting blackout drunk every weekend and waking up with eyeliner smudged around your eyes. Instead, it involves slicked back buns, glowy skin and minimalist accessories. Pioneered by hugely followed celebs such as Hailey Bieber and Sofia Richie, it’s no wonder so many of us aspire to follow in their footsteps.
Alongside this, there has been a huge rise in health and fitness challenges too, such as 75 Hard. Both a physical and mental challenge, some 75 Hard rules include following a strict diet, completing two 45-minute workouts per day and cutting out alcohol, all for 75 days. Popularised by fitness influencers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, many people have jumped on the band wagon, with the challenge soon trending. Who knew 6am gym sessions and not drinking alcohol would become trendy?
Staying in is no longer a backup plan, it’s a choice. Choosing a cosy, film night in over a hangover from overpriced drinks is increasing in popularity. But let’s face it, the classic student night life will always be around, just like that one group chat you can’t escape, but what people consider a ‘good night’ is broadening. The art of staying in has reclaimed its charm, and people aren’t ashamed to admit they don’t like clubbing anymore. You never know, the hottest club in town might just be your living room.
Words by Emily Gillbard
Featured image courtesy of Jack via Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image license found here.
