Freshers Week 2025: Activities for Students in London

Ah, Freshers Week. That magical, slightly chaotic, caffeine-fuelled time when your uni journey begins. It's the perfect blend of making new mates, blagging free pizza, and pretending you know your way around campus (spoiler: no one does yet).

Whether you’re a party animal, a bit of a wallflower, or somewhere in between, there’s no one-size-fits-all way to do Freshers. But if you want to make the most of it, we’ve got you covered with five epic activities that’ll get you out of your room, into the fun, and maybe even discovering your new favourite hobby.

students painting during freshers week activity in london

Here are 5 Freshers Week activities that are actually worth your time in 2025:

1. Sip & Paint Nights

Yes, we’re putting this first because it’s honestly a vibe. A Sip & Paint is your ticket to a fun, relaxed night where you don’t need to be “good” at anything except maybe sipping. You’ll get a canvas, some paints, and usually a glass of something bubbly (mocktail or cocktail – your call), and then paint your way through a guided session with a friendly artist.

These sessions are everywhere now, and for good reason. They're the perfect blend of chill and chatty – great for introverts, great for groups, and definitely one to drag your flatmates to for a creative bonding night. You’ll leave with your own masterpiece (or mess-terpiece), and honestly, the photo ops alone are worth it.

Check out local options or book one with Art Play London if you’re near Chelsea or Shoreditch. They’ve got good music, great vibes, and zero pressure to be a Picasso.

2. Society Taster Sessions (Yes, Even the Weird Ones)

Let’s talk societies. You’ve probably seen the giant fair with 300 clubs shouting at you to join, handing you free pens and sweets. But the real fun? Showing up to the tasters.

Go to that martial arts class you never thought you’d try. Sample the cheese society (it’s a thing), or drop into a K-pop dance session. You’ll meet random people, have a laugh, and possibly find your new favourite thing. Plus, if it’s terrible? You never have to go again. No pressure, no commitment, just vibes.

Some honourable mentions for chaotic-but-fun tasters: Quidditch, ultimate frisbee, amateur improv, and board game nights that get weirdly competitive.

3. Pub Quizzes & Bingo Nights (The Underrated Heroes)

You might be tempted to overlook the humble pub quiz or the classic bingo night in favour of the big club nights. Don’t. These are where the real fun lives.

There’s nothing like the chaos of arguing over music round answers with a team of strangers-turned-besties. Or the thrill of screaming "BINGO" only to realise you miscounted. They’re funny, affordable, and full of that friendly-but-competitive energy we all secretly love.

Hot tip: loads of student unions run themed quizzes (e.g. Love Island, Marvel, or meme-themed), and some even have cash prizes or free drinks up for grabs.

4. Silent Discos (Trust Us)

Okay, hear us out. Putting on headphones and dancing around like a loon might sound a bit weird, but silent discos are actually so much fun. Multiple channels, everyone dancing to different songs, and you can finally live out your DJ dreams by choosing your own vibe.

There’s something hilarious and kinda wholesome about being surrounded by people all dancing (badly) but having the best time. And if you get tired, just take off your headphones and enjoy the chaos of off-key singing.

Bonus: they’re often held in quirky venues like libraries, museums, or even rooftop bars. Iconic.

5. DIY Movie Nights with Your Flat

Freshers can be overwhelming, and sometimes you just need a night in to recharge. Enter: movie night. But let’s level it up.

Pick a theme (horror, romcoms, trashy 00s teen films), get everyone to wear pyjamas, order pizza or attempt a shared meal, and go all in. Fairy lights, popcorn, maybe even a homemade cocktail menu if you’re feeling boujee.

Not only is it cheaper than a night out, but you’ll also get to properly bond with your flatmates without shouting over music. Throw in a post-movie group chat for reviewing the film with dramatic emojis only, and you’ve got yourself a new tradition.

Final Thoughts: Make It Your Freshers

There’s no right way to do Freshers Week. Some people go out every night, others go to zero events and binge Bake Off instead. The best advice? Try new things. Say yes a little more than you usually would. And don’t stress if it doesn’t feel like "the best week of your life" – it’s just the beginning.

So whether you’re covered in paint, shouting answers at a quiz, dancing to ABBA in silence, or curled up with your flatmates watching Shrek 2, make Freshers Week your own.