Written by Chloe Brewster
The pressure to have a social life revolving around booze whilst at University is undeniable. Although it can be fun every so often, it is expensive, and can get unhealthy quickly.
If you’re trying to stay sober, or you just fancy a change in how you spend your free time, here are nine ideas that will get you planning. Make sure to share if you recommend anywhere else, or know a small business alternative to anything I include on this list. Enjoy!
Playzone Cosham, by Chloe Brewster
If you are missing your inner child, 18+ nights at Playzone in Cosham are the perfect place to release your energy. For £9.50 entry per person, you can spend your Friday night running, jumping and sliding around the largest adventure play area on the South Coast. The vibe is fun and relaxed, and great music is playing for the entirety of the two hour session. It is also super popular, so make sure to book tickets ahead of time.
(P.S The red slide is deadly!)
Hop on the 23 or the 20 from Commercial Road South to Health Centre Cosham, from which there there is a 15 minute walk.
You don’t have to be Michael Phelps to go swimming. With lane swim for fitness, public swim, and floats and fun, there’s something for everyone. You can claim a free 1 day pass on Mountbatten Centre's website. Go get your cozzie on! You could also head to Ravelin and buy a day pass, if you don’t fancy the travel.
Watch the sunset and explore the gardens on Southsea beach
Southsea Rock Gardens, by Chloe Brewster
Adventuring should not be exclusive to holidays. There is so much beauty in this island city, you just have to look for it. Southsea Rock Gardens by the Pyramid Center is a lovely place to grab a coffee and sit and chat. There are so many plants and natural features, with little nooks with benches where you can sit and embrace the calm. Nearby is Southsea beach, which is a treasure many of us don’t appreciate. Baffled Coffee, situated by South Parade pier, also does amazing paninis and cakes. I promise you will be stopped in your tracks when you see what is on offer. Sunset in February 2023 is around 5-6pm, so wrap up warm and bring a blanket, and have a cozy time watching nature do its thing.
Hollywood Bowl
Bowling may be an obvious choice, but with an arcade and a diner, it really can make a night out. Situated in Gunwharf Quays, it is a short walk from Student Accom and easily accessible by train to Portsmouth Harbour. For students it is £6.70 for one game, and a tenner for two. There are also many other student offers during the week.
I would recommend booking early if you’re aiming to go on a Friday or Saturday evening, as it can be super popular.
Visit the park
Victoria Park, by Chloe Brewster
As it gets warmer, I know I want to start spending more and more time outside. Victoria Park is a gem right in the city center, full of great places to sit with lots of wildlife. You could even catch a tan in the summer. Ravelin Park is also a great open space where many students gather in the summer to relax. You could grab a coffee, play games, have a picnic, read a book, study, go for a chat on a bench, explore nature, work out, take pictures… The park is the ideal place for a low-cost activity.
Play boardgames at DICE Southsea
DICE is a board game cafe with games to suit everyone. It has great food and drink options and is a banging alternative to a regular café. They have events throughout the week, but you can just turn up Tuesday-Sunday too. It’s definitely somewhere you could spend hours, and very chill providing you don’t get too competitive!
No6 is a cool independent cinema situated at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, a short walk from Gunwharf Quays. Built in an 1846 boathouse, it is home to one of the largest cinema screens on the South Coast. It shows both the latest film releases, and many classic movies and documentaries, making it the perfect spot for film lovers. Not only is it cool, diverse, and close-by, but student tickets are £7.50, much cheaper than competing cinemas.
If you have a lot of energy, FlipOut Portsmouth is the perfect activity to blow off some steam. For £6, you can have an hour of jumping. They also offer disco evenings, which sounds like a funny and active night out.
Vibe with the music at The Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea
The Wedgewood Rooms are a popular live music and event venue in Southsea. They have comedy and open mic nights, and are home to a diversity of music acts. Entry is often under £10, and can be a cheap night full of action. It is also situated in the centre of a busy high street, meaning it is easily accessible and there are plenty of food venues nearby.
About the Author: Chloe Brewster
I’m a first year Journalism student, loving all things news. I am also in Swim Society, so you’ll always catch me out on Purple Wednesday! :)
(This piece was edited by Amber Turner-Brightman)
Comments