Not drinking at university?

So. For personal reasons, and the fact that the taste is gross, I don't drink alcohol. I know a lot of the culture of university revolves around drinking, though, and all my flatmates can talk about so far is what drinking games we're going to play, and which clubs serve the deadliest drinks, and basically everything to do with alcohol.

I go out with my friends now, though they understand why I can't and won't drink alcohol, and it's all cool when I don't and they do. However, how much of a disadvantage will this put me at in university? I still like to talk to people, but I just don't want to do it whilst sloshed.

Right now I'm dreading freshers, haha.

Reply 1

SophieSmall

Don't make it a big deal and neither will anybody else.

Reply 2

Nymthae

Original post by eyesnoselips

It's not a long term "disadvantage". I imagine you won't enjoy fresher's week that much, but it's not a typical week so just get through it. Make sure you socialise - if you don't want to go out, that's okay (I think I only went out like once during fresher's? and then to a few pubs nearby) but if they're playing games or pre-drinking in the flat then do make an effort to join them :smile:

After that week though, just find some common interests with people. I joined the table tennis society, because I liked to play table tennis, and it seemed to be one of the societies that tend to do other things other than just drinking, because a lot of the members culturally don't drink. I'm looking at joining the board gaming society this time... just because I think I fancy some board games. It's just an excuse to get together with people, with something going on that can be discussed that everyone is involved in. There will be other things like that, so just try and think outside of the box. Sport societies are obviously good if you're into any sports, but their social events tend to be very drinking orientated. Just drill the students advertising all the societies about what other stuff they actually do, and see whether it's worth it. Usually lots of taster sessions in the first few weeks so you can give a few different ones a go.

You just gotta be proactive about it all. Drinking is the norm, so it's easy to fall into that as a default social option - just means if you want something else you have to go and find it, because if you sit back it probably won't come to you. Also, get involved with societies on their committees and stuff if you want to try and suggest more activity/less drinking based socials - most of them do listen.

Reply 3

jonathanemptage

Original post by eyesnoselips

Don't worry I don't drink and I did fine don't make a big deal and you'll be fine.

Reply 4

Jackieox

I don't drink at all and my friends still include me..Freshers was a bit tough but other than that i've been as much included as they are. It really doesn't matter, it starts to become an issue when you don't even go out with them...you just hide in your room like a lonely hermit..

Reply 5

StudentFZ

Not drinking is no ones concern but your own. If you don't drink, it's their choice to accept it or find other friends. Plus, if all your friends push for going to clubs and drinking alcohol, guess who else you'll meet? more people who love clubs and getting wasted. Just choose your circle of friends wisely.

Not drinking at university?

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