Non-drinker, vegetarian, no social life. Does it get any worse?

As an international student with very particular habits, I really wonder how you build your social life? I've been in Manchester for a year now (2 year masters course), live alone, and have found it extremely hard to socialise or fit in. I joined in July last year, so didn't attend freshers either!

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 1

TLK

Original post by classical91

Join societies. You'll meet people with similar interests or even try new things out. I'm not much of a drinker myself and I've met good friends through societies with similar interests.

Reply 2

Leela1

Talk to others on your course. You'd be surprised, not everyone enjoys partying all weekend and there are other things you can do based on common interests.

Reply 3

illusionz

At least you're not a feminist

Reply 4

gingerlucy

Original post by illusionz

At least you're not a feminist

At least you're not ginger

Reply 5

wofldog

Original post by illusionz

At least you're not a feminist

So brave

Reply 6

miser

Being vegetarian and a non-drinker ought not harm your social life. Restaurants in the UK pretty much all cater for vegetarians, and wherever you go for drinks you can always drink cola. The question really is just how to start building yourself a social life. You do this by forcing yourself out of your comfort zone and talking to people. It can be really difficult depending on how against your personality it is, but you can force yourself if you set your mind to it.

Go out to some societies, make a few friends, then organise a social event and invite people. Go out, show people a bit of fun. Be fun and people will want to be around you. I'm not saying it's easy, but that's the answer to your question.

Reply 7

shweta.bh

Being an introvert and not much of a drinker myself, I completely understand what you're going through. I was in Leicester for a year doing my master's degree, and I had a very hard time socializing with people! Although, I'd suggest you make the best out of the last few months you've got by probably associating with your course mates. Maybe you guys could study together during the day, and hang out at night. That's how I made some really close friends who weren't party animals either.

Besides, like the others have suggested, it would be nice to join some societies to interact with people. :smile:

Reply 8

rockrunride

As others have suggested, societies! I love drinking beer, but two of my favourite hobbies - running and dancing - are especially good for non-drinkers. Especially dancing which is a largely social activity. Take the plunge, allow yourself to be inspired by a new hobby!

Reply 9

Exon

For the sole purpose of continuing the trend of 'at least' comments:

At least you're not a vegan.

To answer OP, societies are one way to make friends.

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 10

Schadenfreude65

Original post by Exon

... At least you're not a vegan...

I'm a vegan :biggrin:

. It's never stopped me socialising though. I don't know why the OP feels that vegetarianism is a barrier to making friends?

Reply 11

Ecro

Firstly, being a non-drinker isn't a bad thing. So, don't blame it for your social life. And start doing something that will improve the person you are. (doing sprots, going to the gym, etc)

Reply 12

classical91

First off, thanks to everyone for their suggestions! I never expected so many replies...

I am actually not much of an introvert...I'm a bit shy types in the beginning, but actually love socializing otherwise! I'm a research student and everyone else in my group is...um...culturally divided! They hang out together, speak in their own language and, though friendly, are not very socially outgoing with others. Since I don't have 'classmates' as such, it's been much harder getting to know people! Also, those who do know me know that I don't drink and avoid inviting me to hang out, thinking I'd be awkward around them (I have assured people I really don't mind hanging out with them, but some thoughts are harder to change). I have hobbies which are unfortunately not something someone in the UK would be familiar with! I should probably try harder, I agree. I have a few months left, and probably more cause I need to hunt for jobs...should try going to some societies and try out new things :smile:

Reply 13

Exon

Original post by Schadenfreude65

I'm a vegan :biggrin:

. It's never stopped me socialising though. I don't know why the OP feels that vegetarianism is a barrier to making friends?

Neither do I. BBQs aren't exactly commonplace at university as far as I'm aware.

Reply 14

DarkWhite

I'm a teetotal vegetarian, and whilst it does sort of rule out clubbing (nobody wants to be in a nightclub sober..) there's plenty of other ways of making friends and socialising. I'm a member of a few student societies and a sports club (well, rambling, but it's classed as a sports club) and made most of my friends through there :smile: