2025 is here – the beginning of both a new year and a new academic year. The SU has been working hard to prepare something super exciting to kick off January with a bang!
The new year is all about learning new things and growing as a person. We have got a 2-week jam-packed list of events for you, with a wide range of sessions for you to get involved with – all for FREE! Because, yes that’s right, ‘Give It A Go’ is back from 2025.
As your VP Communities and Wellbeing, I want to see as many of you getting involved as possible. January can be one of the hardest months for our mental health, so let us kick the January blues together. Grab your friends, flatmates, or even people on your course, there’s something for everyone. We’ve got sports sessions, arts & crafts, as well as off-site visits to places like Manor Farm, Alpine Snowsports and Boulder Shack. Who could forget one of our most in-demand events, Goat Yoga will also be returning for another year!
This blog post will run through all our GIAG ’25 events. That way you’ll know exactly which events you won’t want to miss!
Week 1
Monday 27th January, 1 pm – 2 pm, Sports Complex - Social Rackets
The first of our three on-site sporting sessions starts with our social rackets class. There is the opportunity to learn how to play badminton, table tennis, or pickleball – the choice is yours!
Tuesday 28th January, 12 pm – 1 pm, Sports Complex – Social Basketball
Another sporting session on offer is social basketball. The home of the Solent Kestrels, this is the perfect opportunity to learn a fun team sport in the university’s state-of-the-art sports complex by some great experts.
Tuesday 28th January, 11 am – 12:30 pm, The Den – Goat Yoga
One of our biggest, high-demand events is back! Take a break with some yoga, while being accompanied by some very cute goats. Make sure you book one of our two Goat Yoga sessions as places are in high demand with lots of students attending. Our first session is at 11-11:45 am, with our second session at 11:45 am-12:30 pm.
Wednesday 29th January, 12 pm – 1 pm, Alpine Snowsports - Dry Slope Skiing
Returning for a second year, we are offering two offsite sessions at Alpine Snowsports, for students to get involved in some dry slope skiing. This is the perfect opportunity to join in on an introduction to learning the ways of the slopes.
Thursday 30th January, 1 pm – 2 pm, Sports Complex – Social Futsal
The last of our three on-site sporting sessions ends with some social futsal. Bring your friends along and try your hand at this indoor football-based sport. This session is being led by our staff over at Solent Sports, so you guarantee you’re in for a fun and relaxed introduction to the sport.
Thursday 30th January, 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm, Alpine Snowsports – Dry Slope Skiing
If you missed our first session, there’s still time to hit the slopes as we are offering a second session at Alpine Snowsports. All you need to bring is your student ID and enthusiasm and you’re ready to get ski-ready with a free introduction with a qualified professional.
Friday 31st January, 11 am – 3 pm, The Spark – Coaster Painting
Ending the first week of GIAG is our coaster painting event. Happening from 11 am until 3 pm, you can spend as little or as long as you want, relaxing and getting ready for the weekend by painting your very own coaster. All the supplies are provided by the SU, all you must do is come along and let your artistic side shine. The perfect opportunity to sit and catch up with your friends, so why not bring them along too?
Week 2
Monday 3rd February, 10 am – 6 pm, Manor Farm – Farm Day
Did you miss out on the chance to grab tickets for our Alpacalyse trip but are still down for a wholesome day on a farm? Then make sure you put this date in your diary and join us for a day at Manor Farm. Spend the day surrounded by fresh air and the cutest farm residences ever, make sure you wear something you don’t mind getting muddy on for this udderly awesome day trip.
Tuesday 4th February, 11 am – 3 pm, Food Garden - Food Garden Open Day
Explore our on-site Solent Garden at our food garden open-day event. Get stuck in and learn some eco-friendly tips and tricks for growing your plants with everything supplied for you. Everyone is welcome, even previous plant killers! There’s never a better time to learn how to keep your plants alive for longer.
Wednesday 5th February, 1 pm – 3 pm, Rocket Ronnie’s - Pool & Darts
Come and hang out with us at Rocket Ronnie’s for some pool and darts! With an onsite bar, tap your Apple Pay and grab yourself a drink (non-alcoholic options available, while playing a game of darts or pool with your friends. It’s the perfect mid-week treat!
Thursday 6th February, 4 pm – 4:30 pm, Boulder Shack – Rock Climbing
2025 is all about reaching new heights – join us at Boulder Shack for a 30-minute crash course into the thrill of rock climbing. Don’t forget to bring your student ID along to be a part of the induction session. Afterwards, you’ll be ready to take on the climbing wall all by yourself.
Friday 7th February, 11 am – 3 pm, The Spark - Pottery Making
We are ending our GIAG 2025 calendar with another chill and creative session, where students can experiment and test their skills with our clay-making event. We are in The Spark from 11 am until 3 pm for students to attend. The more, the better, so tell your friends and see who can make the best clay creation.