Aside our main line-up of events, featuring the likes of Andy C, Philip George and more, you can check out our calendar of free Freshers’ Festival late-night events, allowing you to save more of your sweet student loan.
After months of preparation, Freshers’ Festival is almost upon us. This means non-stop partying, group activities, drinking, eating and… spending money. As well as being one of the major events on the student calendar, Freshers’ Festival is also set to be one of the most expensive weeks of the academic year.
But hold on – there’s some hope. We’ve curated this year’s line-up of events to make sure that those who don’t want to break the bank can also have as much fun as everyone else. Aside from our main line-up of events, featuring the likes of Andy C, Philip George and more, you can check out our calendar of free Freshers’ Festival late-night events below, allowing you to save more of your sweet student loan.
Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 September
Returners’ Welcome Party (exclusive to returning students only) – Medicine
To our returning students, we know you've missed us over summer. We've missed you too. So much so that we're hosting a welcome back party exclusive to all the returning students! Get first dibs partying in the newly refurbished Medicine venue and catch up with all your friends over a VK (or two).
Welcome Hog Roast – The Packhorse
Get all up in our grill as The Packhorse host a hearty hog roast to welcome all the new and returning students. Don't fret if you are vegetarian or vegan, we haven't forgotten about you! The regular menu will still be ongoing to give you a wide variety of vegan/vegetarian options.
Monday 24 September
Sunset Sessions – The Packhorse
Come down for a musical delicatessen at The Packhorse. Served up by our DJs, expect a night featuring the finest cuts of jazzy house, side by side with a selection of deep house chops and dressed with chilled Ibiza house grooves.
Toast – Medicine
Everyone's favourite Monday night out is back for Freshers' Festival to finally make its debut in the newly refurbished Medicine venue! In true Toast fashion, you can expect everything from cheesy tunes to £1.50 drink deals* all night long. Not to mention, it's free entry too.
*The £1.50 drink offer is applicable to the following drinks: Carlsberg // Somersby // VK // Hooch // house spirits & splash
Tuesday 25 September
Two For Tuesdays – The Packhorse
Every Tuesday from 5pm, a selection of food and all drinks (other than champagne and bottles of wine) are two for one at The Packhorse! Yep, you read that right. Bring yourself down with a friend, a partner, a course mate, an enemy (or if you're really hungry, come solo) and indulge in two meals and drinks for the price of one.
Caribbean Salsa Party - Medicine
Looking for a different flavour to your Freshers’ experience? Get involved in our Caribbean Salsa Party, where you will feel like you are dancing in the streets of Havana, Cuba. Make sure you put your dancing shoes on and wear your frilly dresses, flowers in your hair and fedoras.
This is perfect for those looking for a non-alcoholic alternative to their evening, as we offer you a fine selection of virgin cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks and tempting food while dancing to the salsa beat of our traditional band.
Wednesday 26 September
Meds Weds – Medicine
Meds Weds, also known as our pre-drinks night at Medicine. With loads of drink offers all night, this is a great chance for you to invite your friends and prepare yourself for the late evening party at the SU. This is perfect for any sports club or society socials looking for space to host their pre-drinks.
Karaoke Night – The Packhorse
Are you like us? Do you practice with a hairbrush in front of the mirror? Well, look no further - The Packhorse is giving you your chance to put those rehearsals into practice and sing your favourite songs. We have a professional karaoke team coming in to run this night with thousands of songs for you to choose from.
Midnight On The Meadow – Founder’s Meadow
Come chill out with us on Founder's Meadow, where we'll be showcasing some of the local area's finest acoustic performers. You can expect everything from toasting marshmallows over a fire pit, to relaxing with our finest selection of mocktails. This event is a great non-alcoholic alternative for those who aren't feeling the booze.
Thursday 27 September
Transmission Live – The Packhorse
To celebrate Freshers' Festival, we're hosting a very special edition of Transmission for you. We're joined by indie rock bands, The Young and Purple#9, who will be bringing you live music in The Packhorse car park.
After you've had your chance to head bang and show off your air guitar skills, we'll be bringing the party indoors where you can expect us to drop you the freshest independent releases and classic indie anthems.
Late, Great & Free: Rainbow Rave – Medicine
Late Great & Free is back with the LGBTQ+ Society hosting a Rainbow Rave! The newly refurbished Medicine will be glitzed up with glitter, infectious beats and hot party bangers to celebrate the diversity we have at Royal Holloway.
Friday 28 September
Medicine Live ft. Della B – Medicine
This is our weekly live music night on campus, where we'll be showcasing the talent in the local area. This time, we'll be joined by London-based soul/pop band, Della B.
Drawing heavily from the soulful sounds of the 70s, their music harks back to a time of wafros, kimonos and steamy affairs with Stevie Nicks. Afterwards, you can show off your musical skills as we'll be hosting a free-for-all jam session.
Drinks Exchange – The Packhorse
We are taking you to Wall Street but instead of investing your capital you are watching drinks prices rise and fall as the market invests. Channel your inner Jordan Belfort; keep an eye on our real time trading screens, listen out for the siren and race to the bar as the market crashes! If you're looking for an interactive and cheap night out, then this is the perfect event for you.