As the first semester gets underway and deadlines begin creeping into the calendar, the appeal of yet another night out can start to wear thin.

While clubbing and drinking are a big part of the social calendar for many societies, they don’t have to be the default every week.

Whether you’re a Social Sec looking to switch things up, make socials more inclusive, or simply give everyone’s bank accounts and livers a break, Cardiff has plenty of alternatives.

From Sunday roasts to trips outside the city, here are seven sober social ideas to add to your calendar.

1. Sunday Roast at The Taf

Sometimes all you need is a Sunday roast and a chance to recover from the week.

The Taf serves its Sunday roast from 12-4pm for £9.99, with a selection of meats and sides to choose from.

As deadlines start piling up, it’s an easy and low-effort social that gives everyone a chance to catch up without committing to another late night.

2. Brodies Coffee and a Bute Park Walk

Wrap up warm, grab a coffee, and make the most of Cardiff in autumn.

With locations on Castle Street and Gorsedd Gardens Road, Brodies Coffee pairs nicely with a walk through Bute Park, plus students can get 10% off!

It’s a particularly good option for societies wanting something relaxed where members can talk to each other or have a catch-up.

3. Bowling at Lane7

If you want an evening social without falling back on the usual pub or club night, bowling is an easy alternative.

Lane7 in the city centre takes group bookings of up to twenty people, with bowling starting from £11 per person.

It also takes some of the pressure off making conversation for an entire evening, which is especially useful when you’ve got newer members who might not know each other particularly well yet.

4. Sunrise or Sunset Walk at Penarth

For something that costs virtually nothing, swap the city centre for the coast and head down to Penarth.

Pick a clear day, get everyone on the train, and walk along the seafront or out towards the pier for sunrise or sunset. Admittedly, convincing an entire society to wake up for sunrise might test your powers as a Social Sec, so sunset is probably the safer option.

Either way, it’s an easy change of scenery from Cathays and a good excuse to get outside.

5. Boardgame Night

Bring out everyone’s competitive side with a board game night.

Bring along your favourite games and split into smaller groups.

Add in some snacks and you have the perfect social evening. There’s always the option to turn it into a competition with a small prize for the winner.

It’s cheap and easy to organise and allows everyone to get to know each other away from the club.

6. Cake Competition

Put your society’s baking skills to the test with a cake competition.

Set a theme, get members to bring along their best attempt, and have your committee judge the results.

You could add categories for the best-looking, best-tasting, and most disastrous creations to make everyone feel included. At the end of it, you’ve got plenty of cake to share too!

7. Yoga Class

For a social that is slightly more relaxing than your average Wednesday night out, organise a group yoga class.

Whether your members are regulars or have never stepped onto a yoga mat before, a beginner-friendly session can be a fun way to try something different together.

It could also provide a much needed break from lectures, library sessions, and deadlines. Finish it off with a coffee afterwards and you’ve got an easy and relaxed afternoon as a society.