Students opt for yoga and pets in ‘sober Freshers Week’

Not every activity on offer is high-energy. Aberdeen also has a virtual murder mystery, a Disney movie screening and a ‘coffee and cake’ meet-up for mature students.

For those who prefer making furry friends, there is also a pizza mixer where dogs are the guests of honour.

The move away from Freshers Weeks of the past, which were almost a rite of passage, is evident on campuses across the country.

Students at Glasgow university can attend houseplant sales and a charity shop crawl during their “Welcome Week” while Edinburgh is hosting a video games night and an anxiety management workshop.

The variety, Christina says, is the result of greater awareness of mental health and wellbeing issues.

She also says students have concerns for their own safety in environments where people are drinking to excess – particularly amid reports of a rise in spiking in some parts of the UK.

“There’s an awareness of gender-based violence,” she said. “That has led to a bit of resentment, as well as people looking out for each other.

“Mental health issues are on the rise and more students are aware of it. People also want to form communities and friendships that aren’t just about going out.

“Also the student population and demographic has changed over the last 10 years – there are more international students.

“Obviously the cost-of-living crisis has taken its toll as well. Students are focusing more on a different way of socialising based on their hobbies rather than just going out, which is very expensive.”