With every September comes a new influx of university students from across the globe, and with this tidal wave of teenagers the infamous fresher events take up the first weeks of everyone's calendars. Notoriously fresher events usually involve a shed load of alcohol but what if you just don't fancy a heavy night? Here's a quick round up of things you can do in and around Manchester which don't involve a few shots of vodka.
The first in our line up and the newest to grace our streets, 'Trapped Up North' is the new interactive and immersive horror escape room experience situated in Manchester's Great Northern Warehouse just off Deansgate. The concept is very simple: get out of the locked room within one hour. With three rooms to choose from and teams of up to six escapees you're bound to have fun. Just make sure to wear clothes and shoes that you can move around easily in and don't mind getting potentially scuffed. Not recommended for freshers who suffer with claustrophobia.
Imagine a warehouse sized room crammed wall to wall with trampolines (139 to be exact), if that wasn't what your daydreams were filled of when you were seven years old I don't know what was. Arguably the most energetic of the list, Jump Nation welcomes up to 99 people at a time to bounce around to their heart's content at any given time and with referees on hand there shouldn't be any trouble. Their facilities are open to people of all ages and have been popular with children, adults and even stag and hen parties. Jump Nation recommend bouncers to where comfortable clothing free from studs or any sharp parts. Just remember that you're more than likely going to get hot and sweaty whilst gyrating about so opt for something appropriate for the polypropylene arena.
Stemmed from the Black Dog Ballroom and found on Whitworth Street West, Dog Bowl is Manchester's port of call for all your midnight bowling needs. Boasting five full length lanes which are open from midday until 2am and complete with a restaurant and bar you've found yourself the perfect freshers' cocktail of food, drink and a good time - all under one roof. If that wasn't enough to convince you the bowling alley even offer half price bowling to students regardless of the day, as well as 25% off food any time and free pool any weekday before 5pm. What's not to love?
Trafford Centre's Laser Quest
Trafford Centre Laser Quest
Run around like you're an undercover agent with no questions asked and no one judging you! The Trafford Centre's Laser Quest states that whether 'you're seven or 77 you'll love the adrenaline pumping exhilaration of stalking your opponents and unleashing a volley of laser fire in the battle zone of the 21st century'. Each game lasts around 20 to 25 minutes with up to 30 of you competing. The Laser Quest team will deliver a full briefing and all the equipment you need for your futuristic adventure. If running around with laser guns doesn't tickle your fancy there's also The Rock climbing experience just next door.
Chill Factore
The UK's longest indoor skiing and snowboarding slope has a 180m real snow slope and is situated right next to the Trafford Centre. There's a lot you can do - for example you could try skiing or snowboarding - don't worry if you've never done it before as they offer specific introductory sessions for newbies. If you don't fancy that you could always have a go on the snow park or climbing wall. You don't even have to commit to a full session with snowboarding and ski as there are even taster sessions on for those of you who don't quite know what to go for, so you can spend your time hitting the slopes.
See Time Out's Manchester student guide.