Here’s your unconventional drinking guide for uni
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s a classics student, I unapologetically relate every aspect of life to the ancient Greek world, and here I am, back again, focusing on student nightlife. The art of pre-drinks, a seemingly modern concept, can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who were renowned for the symposium – the drinking banquet. Most of you should now be reveling in your freshers’ fortnight with crazy costumes and freshers passes, and should spend your days wisely by planning your nights out. When doing so, never forget the ancient Greeks, their debauchery, and even their literature.
The Odyssey, a Homeric epic about the tale of the hero Odysseus, can be seen as an unconventional guide on drinking during nights out. When planning your Pop antics, turn to the pages that hold the feasts that King Alcinous hosts in his palace, and let the pints of purple drown away your feelings of homesickness in the same way the wine lessens the homesickness of Odysseus and his men.
The art of pre-drinks, a seemingly modern concept, can be traced back to the ancient Greeks
Most importantly, take the epic as a cautionary tale on how not to act to avoid both danger and embarrassing Facebook pictures. For the girls who wear 6 inch stilettos in Smack, learn from the tale of Elpenor, the man who drunkenly climbed onto the roof of Circe’s palace, and then fell from the roof to his death. A health and safety tale for the ages – when drunk, refrain from climbing, and don’t wear shoes that’ll add to your lack of balance. For the boys who always pass out and wake up defaced and humiliated, learn from the story of Polyphemus, who is blinded by his captives after he passes out from being too intoxicated. To avoid waking up in a wheelie bin, say no to the 5thjagerbomb.
So enjoy the beginning of the new academic year with a big smile, and an ever bigger pint, making the ancient Greeks proud. But drink responsibly, to make your parents even prouder.
Image Credits: Header (pixabay.com), Image 1 (en.wikipedia.org)
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