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Is it better to go to uni in the USA because you don't drink?

Before the nit pickers pounce on me, no, this will not be the sole factor in the final decision of my academic future.

I was just wondering though, as an 18 year who doesn't drink alcohol, would it make more sense to go to university in the US, as you can't go clubbing there until you turn 21? This is assuming finance etc. isn't a problem.

I know they tend to have more house parties in the USA and I prefer those tbh. It's easier to resist temptation, laugh at the drunk people, and have a nice, relaxed conversation with those who are merely tipsy.

I know I will find people who don't drink at Uni in the Uk, but it limits options though. I've been overseas with friends and gone on pub crawls and bars and clubs with them and after a few days it just got boring. I felt more and more like an outsider and they just got increasingly irritated at my "anti-social" behaviour and it ruined their fun by me not drinking apparently.

I imagine this will be more of a problem, especially if I end up going to London? Reading through threads, people from London unis just seem to be jostling with each other, trying to get the closest accomodation to the clubs as possible. I'm just worried of feeling left out.

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Only in very exceptional cases (such as for those whose parents have shedloads of money or for those who have won scholarships) does it make sense for a British person to go to university in the US. You will find people who you can socialise with if you don't drink in the UK, just be a bit more independent and stop fretting about other peoples' perceptions of you.
Reply 2
Avatar for bbq1948
bbq1948
13
lol at you thinking americans don't drink at college
Reply 3
Avatar for U.S Lecce
U.S Lecce
3
What makes you think american students don't drink?
Also-

Original post by bob247
Before the nit pickers pounce on me, no, this will not be the sole factor in the final decision of my academic future.

I was just wondering though, as an 18 year who doesn't drink alcohol, would it make more sense to go to university in the US, as you can't go clubbing there until you turn 21? This is assuming finance etc. isn't a problem.


Unless you're loaded, it will be a problem. For the vast majority of people, going to uni in the US is completely unfeasible finance-wise.
Reply 5
Avatar for georgia
georgia
14
Haha, oh gosh, American students drink. You want to have met the exchange kids at my university in Italy...to say they liked to party was an understatement.
Reply 6
Avatar for Macnoob
Macnoob
1
Original post by ScarlettDangerfield
Also-



Unless you're loaded, it will be a problem. For the vast majority of people, going to uni in the US is completely unfeasible finance-wise.


wrong...


I would play this every day over there :biggrin:

I'm pretty sure they drink as much as we do
Reply 8
Avatar for bob247
bob247
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18
Original post by bbq1948
lol at you thinking americans don't drink at college


Original post by U.S Lecce
What makes you think american students don't drink?



Read the thread.

I realise they do drink but more so at house parties than clubs/pubs/bars, which I am so much more comfortable with and where I tend to be more in control.
If you've got the money, why not? I mean, American students drink too so you're not going to be running away from your problems. You'll probably regret the airfare. People here don't drink too, you'll find them.
Reply 10
Avatar for bob247
bob247
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Original post by ScarlettDangerfield
Only in very exceptional cases (such as for those whose parents have shedloads of money or for those who have won scholarships) does it make sense for a British person to go to university in the US. You will find people who you can socialise with if you don't drink in the UK, just be a bit more independent and stop fretting about other peoples' perceptions of you.


I'm not British and have a scholarship sorted. Just have to decide where I'm going.

And get in to the place. :tongue:

But it starts by narrowing your options down, doesn't it.
Original post by Macnoob
wrong...


How are you supposed to get the money for US study then? I'm genuinely interested, if I've missed something then please tell me! I was under the impression that no loans, bursaries or anything of that sort are available from the British or US government to study there.
Reply 12
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bob247
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Original post by umbrellahead
If you've got the money, why not? I mean, American students drink too so you're not going to be running away from your problems. You'll probably regret the airfare. People here don't drink too, you'll find them.


It's not the drinking that's the problem, it's the environment.

House parties > Clubs
Reply 13
Avatar for bbq1948
bbq1948
13
Original post by bob247
Read the thread.

I realise they do drink but more so at house parties than clubs/pubs/bars, which I am so much more comfortable with and where I tend to be more in control.


you realise house parties occur in this country too don't you, and you don't have to drink alcohol in any of the places you listed, i never touched a drop of alcohol in the 5 years i was in uni in the uk and i didn't limit the places i went
Reply 14
Avatar for bob247
bob247
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Original post by bbq1948
you realise house parties occur in this country too don't you, and you don't have to drink alcohol in any of the places you listed, i never touched a drop of alcohol in the 5 years i was in uni in the uk and i didn't limit the places i went


I do.

But obviously, there is also going to be a fair amount of clubbing considering students will legally be of age. Especially in London.

This will not be as prevalent in the USA, no?

Or have I completely misjudged the situation?
Unless you're muslim it wont make any difference.
Reply 16
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bob247
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Original post by nmudz_009
Unless you're muslim it wont make any difference.


I am.
Reply 17
Avatar for Macnoob
Macnoob
1
Original post by ScarlettDangerfield
How are you supposed to get the money for US study then? I'm genuinely interested, if I've missed something then please tell me! I was under the impression that no loans, bursaries or anything of that sort are available from the British or US government to study there.


Well you said "going to uni in the US is completely unfeasible finance-wise", im coming from Canada to the Uk and the living costs are outrageous compared to Canada. In the states almost everything is cheaper than it is in Canada. I have taken out a $80,000 line of credit to fund my 3 year law program in the uk. That same 80 grand would be more than enough to go to the states. (my parents are still giving me another 10-20 grand).
Come to uni in Scotland, we don't drink up here.
Original post by bob247
I am.


You will see less people drinking alchohol in public, yes, bcoz its illegal at that age. There would be less peer pressure on you but that said im sure you'd find more muslim uni friends in the UK than the US

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