This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Exeter chapter.
During what seems like the permanently hungover, daylight hours of your Exeter Freshers week, it’s easy to forget there’s a life outside your little bed of pain, a whole world away from your sticky, alcohol encrusted kitchen floor.
The furthest you’ve probably got to this week is the Lafrowda shop, or maybe the laundry if you’ve felt really adventurous. Until the clock strikes Arena its unlikely you’ve gone anywhere much at all, mainly because life in halls is remarkably easy to slob your way through, because everything you can conceivably need is located within a 10 metre radius.
Of course its all fun and games at first, and there’s nothing heinous about one week spent comfortably wallowing in your own filth. But ladies it’s a slippery slope. One turns into three, and weeks turn into months, and hey presto you’re packing that big ol’ suitcase back up, having spent the memorable part of your freshers year in your (undeniably fabulous) en-suite, with your head in the loo.
But Freshers, there’s steps you can take to escape the pit of despair you’re creating for yourselves. There are places that not only accept, but also embrace Hungover You.
Whether its thanks to a hill-free route, to get you there with minimal pain along the way, or a menu featuring the perfect meals to soak up last night’s VKs, HerCampus’ list of locations are designed to cater to a very fragile you.
We aim to get you out of the flat, so you can at least tell the rents you’ve seen something other than the Mecca bingo car park on the way out of Rococcos.
1) The Ram
Starting off simple, to ease you in gently.
The Ram is conveniently located immediately above the library, where any hard working Fresher should of course be spending a significant amount of time. (Ha).
Why its good for Hungover You-
Hungover You doesn’t have a gourmet palette.
Hungover You wants simple and greasy food, from a menu that’s large in print so your fuzzy eyes can comprehend, and covered in ketchup to overpower the smell of vodka about your person.
And because ‘Drunk You generously bought a round for most of the bar last night, you’re now unable to spend more than a fiver on food today, easily achievable at the Ram.
Finally the Ram comes a close second to staying in your flat, considering its probably about 30 seconds from where you live. You can do it.
2) Brody’s
Ah Brody’s, close to heaven on earth in the life of the Hungover fresher.
Let’s just start by letting you know its all you can eat. As in: have as many plates of food as you can fit in your stomach at one time. We know right.
Next let us tell you that Brody’s is BREAKFAST FOOD.
Why its good for Hungover You-
Excellent service- For Hungover You that means no service at all.
Politeness is not a priority for you in this state, and neither is paying an annoying stranger to visit your table, which is why self-service Brody’s is a win for you
Though you might have to waddle home, the best of you warriors can safely say you got your money’s worth, and not being able to eat another single thing for the next week means you save money on food, you clever thing!
3) Vue Cinema
The cinema features on this list mainly its because it’s an activity you can engage in whilst sitting down, possibly even sleeping if it strikes your fancy.
It doesn’t matter what you see, the cinema is the perfect place to kick back, having fooled yourself you’re doing something with your day.
Why it’s good for Hungover You-
You’ll have entered the town central!
That means both leaving the flat (once again, good work) AND passing a number of parent-pleasing landmarks (‘of COURSE I’ve seen the Cathedral, Mum’) all so that you can sit back and enjoy a film, whilst stuffing your face at the same time.
Granted, you’ve paid a tenner for the pleasure, but at least it meant you got dressed today, well done you.
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4) The gym
No we’re not joking.
Though it probably seems like the last thing on your mind right now, exercise might be exactly what you need to set you right.
Nothing is better than feeling the Jaegar drip down your face on the treadmill the day after a particularly heavy one.
Why it’s good for Hungover You-
– You might not be looking our best, but the same can’t be said for the lads pumping iron on the other side of the gym. HEY BOYS.
– Think of your arrival back at the flat- sauntering in, smug and hangover free (albeit sweaty) only to find no one else has moved since you left.
– Warning- gym is make or break so be careful- the staff don’t take to kindly to freshers who vom over the equipment.
5) Exeter Museum
This is a long shot, but if you’re confident in your hangover, or perhaps still a little bit drunk, you may want to be a little more adventurous with your day.
The Exeter museum has a lot to offer, and most importantly, its free, and only takes an hour.
Why its good for hungover you-
– The ‘eclectic’ collection of what seems random objects are perfect for that state of almost elated hysteria that extreme hangovers can bring. (Yes, that really is a Mummified body, shoved between stuffed giraffe and antique spoon collection.)
– There’s a café, there’s toilets, and of course, seati
ng for when it all gets a little bit too much.
– Oh and did we mention its free?
So there you have it Freshers. We appreciate and understand your eternal struggle. We’re here to guide you in any way we can.
You can do it gals. Good luck.