The Social Detox: Skipping Every Event for a Month

By a Cardiff Uni student who ghosted Cathays for 30 days

I did it. For a whole month, I skipped every social, night out, society event, group hang, and even those tempting “just come for one” pub invites. No YOLO, no Lash, no spontaneous 2AM kebabs. Just me, my room, and a frankly absurd number of mugs of tea.

And honestly? It was a journey I didn’t expect.

Why I Did It

After a relentless January packed with post-exam nights out, course socials, and birthday bashes, my calendar was overflowing but my energy was running on fumes. I realised I’d been showing up just because I felt I should, not because I actually wanted to. So, I made a decision: one month of going full Cathays ghost. No socials, just to see what would happen.

Week One: FOMO Is Real

The first week was tough. My group chats were buzzing with plans, and I could literally hear the neon party happening across the road. Everyone seemed to be out at Juice, and I felt left out and a bit guilty, like I was missing out on the classic Cardiff student experience. I tried to fill the evenings with walks in Bute Park, cooking actual meals (not just pasta), and even managed to do my seminar reading without nodding off. I felt like a completely different person.

Week Two: Embracing the Quiet

By the second week, things started to shift. My evenings felt longer and less rushed. I didn’t feel pressured to keep up with what everyone else was doing. Instead, I took baths, made new playlists, and spent time people-watching at Brodie’s without worrying about the next event. Saying no didn’t feel anti-social anymore-it felt intentional and peaceful. I was still part of the group chat, replying to texts and sending memes, but I was finally setting boundaries that felt good.

Week Three: Clarity Kicks In

Week three was a turning point. I realised how much of my social life had been driven by FOMO rather than genuine interest. I started noticing which friendships I genuinely missed and which ones were just a product of shared events. Some friendships faded a bit, but others grew stronger. Plus, my bank account was definitely happier.

Week Four: Finding Balance

By the end of the month, it didn’t feel like a detox anymore-it just felt like me. I was sleeping better, journaling (who even am I?), and had more energy for my uni work. I did miss the buzz of Cathays and the energy of Cardiff’s vibrant student life, but I no longer felt like I was running on social autopilot. I could actually appreciate the quieter side of Cardiff: the green spaces, the friendly community vibe, and the freedom to just be.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely. Not as a permanent lifestyle, but as a reset. Uni life in Cardiff is full-on, and Cathays is the heartbeat of it all. But it’s okay to step back sometimes. You’re not really missing out if you’re gaining a bit of peace and perspective. The events, the socials, and the late-night bagels-they’ll all still be there next month. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is give yourself permission to pause and just breathe.

Looking back, I’m glad I did it. Cardiff will always be buzzing with things to do, but it’s also a city where you can find your own pace-and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need

Catch you (maybe) at the next social,
– Third-Year Student, Cathays (now well-rested)

Muskaan from India, Year 3 Journalism, Media and English Literature (BA)