It kind of depends on the event. If it's just drinks at a pub or a small flat party, it'll probably be ok, because you can still have conversations with people.
If it's a really big flat party, or at a club, I'd say probably avoid it, because it's pretty likely that you'll be the only sober one there.
I'm in my third year of uni, and I don't drink. I only really avoid clubs and large flat parties. I go to the pub with my friends every other week, but I don't get alcohol. Most pubs will probably have food and non-alcoholic drinks that you can buy.