Freshers at Exeter ditch the nightclub for mindfulness and fitness sessions

Freshers at the University of Exeter are increasingly swapping late nights in clubs for yoga mats and mindfulness sessions, as wellness activities take centre stage during Freshers’ Week.

BodySoc, a fun and inclusive fitness society offering weekly classes such as zumba, pilates, yoga, and attack, as well as both alcohol and non-alcohol socials, said they are seeing record demand for fitness and wellbeing events, with pilates and meditation proving just as popular as traditional nights out.

READ NEXT: Fans 'can't wait' as Lewis Capaldi announces gig near Exeter at Powderham 

BodySoc members recalled their own Freshers’ Weeks, with third-years citing 2022 and second-years 2023 as being far more focused on clubbing and nights out than the balanced activities students are now choosing.

Maddie, a third-year student studying English, said that BodySoc provides "no pressure to drink or go clubbing" and that their "taster fitness classes have completely sold out, with pilates being the most popular one." 

Similarly, Ruby, a second-year student studying Economics and is also a part of BodySoc said that there is a "focus on wellbeing" and that their society has "Wellbeing Wednesdays" which is a "relaxing community where everyone can come together and feel connected without having to go out." 

Pastoral mentors also noted an increase in students attending wellness chats and seeking advice on mindfulness and mental wellbeing.

However, a third-year law student, who asked not to be named, said Exeter may not be a party capital, but many still want to go out, adding that tickets to popular clubs are notoriously hard to get, with some students reselling them for profit.

When freshers arrived in Exeter in 2021, Exeter Today understands nights out were a major focus.

After months of COVID lockdowns, many students felt they had missed out on the traditional university experience.

Clubs were busy, and socialising often dominated Freshers’ Week.

In recent years, the scene has changed.

While nights out remain part of student life, more students are choosing activities such as yoga, running groups and sober socials.

There is a greater focus on balance and wellbeing.

Exeter students still enjoy pubs and nightlife, but priorities are shifting towards health and community.

Despite these changes, Freshers’ Week continues to be about the same core experiences: making friends, building connections, and shaping student life for a new generation.