“You Out Tonight?” “Can’t Mate, I’ve Got Hummus I Need to Use Up.” : A Love Letter to a Night In.

By Connie Say

Freshers week has been and gone. The ‘£2 a shot’ deals seem like a distant memory, and now students (and staff), crack open their books to begin their year at Queen’s. However, I ask you, the reader, how did Freshers week treat you? Are you still reeling from those “they looked so good at the time” £2 shots?

This Opinion writer did not entertain the £2 shots – a Corona here, and a tequila soda there. This writer proudly declares that they did nothing their second-year self would regret in their Freshers Week. There is time for that badge to be revoked.

This time of year, students are making the trek back to university. Evenings draw in – gloaming is the word. TV gets better, winter outfits are easier to style (an opinion which transcends the limits of this newspaper), and it seems more socially accepted to make small talk about the weather, when it’s just so ‘o so cold. (This column offers social advice freely). “Did you guys hear the wind last night?” for example.

In a nutshell, student’s habits are changing across the country. Whether in pursuit of a faster 5k time (anyone training for the Belfast Half?), saving a few quid per week, or simply because being in bed by 10pm couldn’t sound more appealing. Let it be known that you are not alone: if the thought of slogging a night out on the town just doesn’t float your boat tonight: do not fret. Do not feel any sense of shame/FOMO/distress…you are one of many.

‘Hibernation evenings’ should be celebrated.

This Column advocates for the Great British ‘Night In’; not in partnership with The Great British Bake Off, but again, that is a contributing factor for said Night In.

We will capitalise ‘Night In’, because it’s an event in and of itself. Universities across the UK are proposing even more sober curious events. So if your friends advocate for going to the dry bar, don’t feel compelled to make double the sacrifice of a dry night and a long one – you can have a glass (or three) of something a little more civilised in your pajamas at home. I, the humble writer, have a bottle of Montepulciano (two glasses, thank you),  in my room ‘saved for special occasions’.

I cracked into it last Sunday night, to accompany a pizza I ordered from Little Italy, on Amelia Street. Crucify me – it was glorious.

The University of Bradford has transformed one of their Student Union Bars into an alcohol free space[1]. We at Queen’s do not propose to do the same. Night’s Out must maintain some of their appeal – flowing drinks should remain, we suggest.

The Column does not resent those who go out – I, the writer, have nights out. Yet, addressing the ‘Out’ crowd here, may I remind you of the toe-curling shame of thwacking your contactless against the card machine for an £8 pint, because ‘Who is counting?”. You are. The next morning, you are counting. The ‘In’ crowd don’t feel that remorse.

More often than not I will choose a Night In, and I will outline some of the reasons clearly here. Please feel free to tick off and agree/disagree with the following:

• TV is objectively better. Great British Bake Off. Strictly Come Dancing. Look out of your BT1/2/9/Student Roost/Private Housing/Undisclosed location window, listen to that pitter-patter, and imagine yourself in bed with tea and biscuits watching Harry Potter. Now, imagine fighting for your life on the last 8B bus out of town. Decisions, decisions.
• You are away from home. Takeaway night can be Tuesday night; it could be every night. University is a lawless state, and you do not have to subject yourself to another Casserole until you go home. Culinary and gastronomic freedom awaits.
• Hair Wash night – need I say more?
• You can catch up on work……? YAWN. Next point.
•  You’re actually saving money. So, yes: you should redirect that £6 rum and coke
  towards your Sunday League 11-aside match fees… and yes, you should let
  everyone else know that you play semi-professionally.
• You can spend the time compiling baskets of clothes online that you ‘will get round
  to buying’ for a night out, so that when you do go out, you will look like the most chic
  version of yourself.
•  You can make hummus. It’s simple, delicious, and plenty cheaper than buying it
  from the Spar. But, take my advice: don’t use the Ottolenghi recipe. 4 words: Who peels their chickpeas?

And so, to you dear reader, I hope you choose wisely tonight. To Go Out or Not To Go Out. That is the question. If in doubt, do go out. You’ll most likely have a fabulous time, gas with your friends, flirt with that one Kremlin bartender you fancy, and look fantastic whilst doing it.

However, please be aware you did once need a Night In to online shop for that gorgeous going-out outfit.

So, actually, just stay in. Especially if you really can’t be arsed.

Sincerely,

Queen’s Resident Thinker.

Sources:

[1] Jones, Steve. 2024. “University of Bradford Replaces Bar with Alcohol-Free Cafe.” BBC News. September 26, 2024. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg92vpep28o.