Hangin' Tough

So, you scamp, you've overdone it and now need to make it through the day in one piece. Of course, we're happy to help...

Feature by Rowena McIntosh | 03 Sep 2012

Hangovers and student life go hand in hand. Many new undergraduates will claim to “not get hangovers,” a statement that will be met with a knowing shake of the head. Trust us, once you've discovered a taste for White Lightning and spent a night drinking the suspicious-brand vodka sold at student club nights, you WILL get a hangover.

Hangovers are a strange badge of honour, evidence of a good night had by all, and horrible as they are at the time, they always make for good (if shameful) stories. But before they reach anecdote status, you need to survive them.

The first thing you need to do when waking up with a hangover is make the treacherous journey to the kitchen for fluid. Your chosen beverage could be anything; Irn Bru from a glass bottle, banana milkshake, value lemonade with a Berocca dissolved in it. You’ve years to find your favourite tipple; discovering your hangover cure is a infinitely more pressing matter. 

Once you have it sussed, stock up, as you’re going to spend many an early tutorial clutching it. Secondly, you need your hangover attire. The club hoodies they hand out in Freshers' week, while questionable fashion choices in normal life, are excellent for this, as they helpfully shout: “Hey, look! Here walks a hungover person.”  

Once you’ve taken on fluids, donned your cloak and figured out how your legs work, gather last night’s revellers and head somewhere to feed your hangover. Hangovers are hungry creatures, and they won’t go away until they’ve had their lunch. In Edinburgh, the Red Squirrel on Lothian Road does excellent burgers and claims “Edinburgh's Best Breakfast.” It’s not for the faint hearted, as it includes everything a good fry up should and more, but it will get the job done. 

In Dundee, Dukes Corner on Brown Street does gourmet, veggie and alternative burgers, several of which are included in their bargain 'Feed Me For A Fiver' deal. In Glasgow, Hillhead Bookclub off Byres Road does an amazing brunch menu including pancakes, egg dishes and funky soft drinks, including coke floats. In these comfy bars you can recover, piece together last night’s antics and start to see the funny side of being sick in the bathtub. 

The only problem is as these places all serve alcohol your recovery strategy might descend into another session, and another hangover, but at least you’ll know where to come back to work it off.