University students’ mental health struggles have tripled since 2016. Now, 1 in 6 students report issues with their mental health. Seeking to alleviate the pressure on their minds and wallets, students are going to run clubs instead of night clubs.
Experian found 78% of students say financial worries are causing them stress. Of those students with anxiety, 33% report that their university experience was being affected because they can’t afford to go out with friends.
It’s not surprising then that student life is adapting to the cost-of-living crisis as they have stopped frequenting the stereotypical venues, like nightclubs, to blow off steam and socialize.
The changing social habits of students is affecting businesses as well. The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) released a report that states 31% of nightclubs have closed between March 2020 – December 2023.
So where are students going instead? Over 50% of UK students have taken up running to improve their mental health. They’ve turned to run clubs to fill the void in their social calendar and combat stress.
Nourdine Laid, a physiotherapist with 16 years of experience at the NHS, thinks students joining run clubs is a great idea.
“exercise is known to improve your mental health and club activities will reduce loneliness”
“your body releases happy hormone when you are physically active as well as reduces stress, which obviously is a problem for many students.”
Lydia Sahnine, 23 year old MA student at City University of London, joined a run club in her final year as an undergraduate to deal with stress.
“I think running specifically has helped me with my mental health because of the runners high. I genuinely think I’ve never felt anything like that. It’s so easily accessible as well, you just put on your shoes and you go out. It’s a good way to carve out time for yourself.
Sahnine knows that running helps her handle MA program obligations.
“Its helped my mental health through self-esteem because I’ve proven to myself I can do hard things.”
Run clubs have also helped Sahnine meet new friends in London and create a sense of community.
“Last year I moved to a new area in London and I put on facebook I was looking for a running buddy. I met these really lovely girls, and we go to a run club on Saturday morning or we go on our own.”
“We grab brunch afterwards or dinner, there’s definitely a social aspect to it too.”
Sahnine recommends Friday Night Lights run club as a social alternative to nightclubs and pubs.
“They’ve got the lights and music and it’s one of the best runs I’ve ever done. It feels more authentic in that you’re not drinking. it’s a collective community where you’re all trying to better yourself. It feels more authentic whereas clubbing you’re drunk. There’s a time and a place for both, but balance is key.”
If I was seeking more authentic connection, I’d choose run club.”
Run clubs seem to be a wallet-friendly way for students to destress. They can fill up their calendars without emptying their pockets, and that might just be worth running for.
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Standfirst
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HeadlineRun for your social life
Short HeadlineStudents swap nightclubs for run clubs
StandfirstStudents join run clubs for mental health
University students’ mental health struggles have tripled since 2016. Now, 1 in 6 students report issues with their mental health. Seeking to alleviate the pressure on their minds and wallets, students are going to run clubs instead of night clubs.
Experian found 78% of students say financial worries are causing them stress. Of those students with anxiety, 33% report that their university experience was being affected because they can’t afford to go out with friends.
It’s not surprising then that student life is adapting to the cost-of-living crisis as they have stopped frequenting the stereotypical venues, like nightclubs, to blow off steam and socialize.
The changing social habits of students is affecting businesses as well. The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) released a report that states 31% of nightclubs have closed between March 2020 – December 2023.
So where are students going instead? Over 50% of UK students have taken up running to improve their mental health. They’ve turned to run clubs to fill the void in their social calendar and combat stress.
Nourdine Laid, a physiotherapist with 16 years of experience at the NHS, thinks students joining run clubs is a great idea.
“exercise is known to improve your mental health and club activities will reduce loneliness”
“your body releases happy hormone when you are physically active as well as reduces stress, which obviously is a problem for many students.”
Lydia Sahnine, 23 year old MA student at City University of London, joined a run club in her final year as an undergraduate to deal with stress.
“I think running specifically has helped me with my mental health because of the runners high. I genuinely think I’ve never felt anything like that. It’s so easily accessible as well, you just put on your shoes and you go out. It’s a good way to carve out time for yourself.
Sahnine knows that running helps her handle MA program obligations.
“Its helped my mental health through self-esteem because I’ve proven to myself I can do hard things.”
Run clubs have also helped Sahnine meet new friends in London and create a sense of community.
“Last year I moved to a new area in London and I put on facebook I was looking for a running buddy. I met these really lovely girls, and we go to a run club on Saturday morning or we go on our own.”
“We grab brunch afterwards or dinner, there’s definitely a social aspect to it too.”
Sahnine recommends Friday Night Lights run club as a social alternative to nightclubs and pubs.
“They’ve got the lights and music and it’s one of the best runs I’ve ever done. It feels more authentic in that you’re not drinking. it’s a collective community where you’re all trying to better yourself. It feels more authentic whereas clubbing you’re drunk. There’s a time and a place for both, but balance is key.”
If I was seeking more authentic connection, I’d choose run club.”
Run clubs seem to be a wallet-friendly way for students to destress. They can fill up their calendars without emptying their pockets, and that might just be worth running for.
