I wouldn’t describe myself as a “typical” teenager. For one, I’m actually twenty but, for the sake of getting an alliterative title, that’s close enough right? Secondly, I don’t really enjoy partying and going out. I’m fairly introverted so my ideal evening would consist of eating takeaway and playing board games. You’d be forgiven for thinking my hobbies are rather old lady-ish, for I like to spend my spare time reading, writing, cooking, and going on walks. However, what often sets me apart most from other teenagers is the fact that I don’t drink.
I’m not going to deny, there is undoubtedly a drinking culture at university. Young Brits are notorious for their binge drinking and perhaps this isn’t all that surprising. For the vast majority, university is your first taste of freedom as a young adult. You’re in a new city, surrounded by complete strangers, and you’re no longer under the watchful eye of mum and dad. For some, the main appeal of going to university is the social life. Moreover, at almost all universities (in England anyway), the work you do during your first year doesn’t count towards your degree. Therefore, many students spend their first year making friends, getting to grips with their course, consuming quite large volumes of alcohol with said new friends, and generally adjusting to this new way of living.
For most prospective university students, the phrase “Freshers’ Week” conjures up a cocktail (pardon the pun) of excitement and nervous apprehension in equal measure. However, this wasn’t the case for me. I absolutely dreaded Freshers’ Week. During Freshers’, booze is the most common social lubricant so I was worried that I’d struggle to meet like-minded people if I didn’t drink and go out clubbing. Fortunately, the good news is that that wasn’t true. Although it might take you a while to find “your people” at university if you don’t enjoy drinking and going out, I promise you that you’ll get there eventually. You might make friends on nights out or with your housemates but you’re equally likely to meet like-minded people through societies, on your course, or through mutual friends.
As a third-year looking back, there was definitely a social pressure during first year to make it seem to the outside world like you were having a blast. During your first year at university, your Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook feeds will be swamped with photos and videos of nights out, posted by people you used to go to school with or new mates (or people you added on socials during Freshers’ Week and haven’t seen since). This can make it feel like everyone else is having the time of their lives (and perhaps they are). However, it’s useful to remember that what you see on social media is merely a highlights reel. Just bear in mind that people are unlikely to broadcast the fact that they’re homesick, haven’t made real friends yet, or are struggling with the workload (or perhaps they just can’t figure out how to work a washing machine).
If you want to go out drinking and clubbing regularly during your time at university, sure. But if this isn’t for you, that’s also totally okay. I went clubbing a grand total of three times during my first year (largely motivated by the hopes of getting a kebab on the journey home) because clubbing just isn’t for me and I still managed to make some awesome friends. Throughout my three years at university, I’ve rarely had people judge me negatively for being a non-drinker. However, there’s always a slim chance that you’ll run into that guy or girl that feels the need to announce to the world how they think it’s “super lame” that you don’t like drinking and going out. Just ignore them. True friends won’t judge you for your personal preferences.
I’ll admit that there are a couple of minor downsides to not drinking. There are certain conversations that I can’t join in on. For example, I can’t offer you my thoughts on tequila because I’ve only done a tequila shot once in my life and I don’t remember how it tasted (although judging by the general consensus about the taste of tequila, that’s probably a good thing!). You’d also be surprised by how often socialising involves alcohol. Done well in your exams? Your family will probably pop open a bottle of champagne. Haven’t seen your mates in a while? (thanks covid!) It’s likely that you’ll catch up over a few pints. Going out for a meal with your family? You’ll probably go to a pub. Therefore, it can be hard to compartmentalise drinking and socialising.
Just before I finish, I want to make it clear that I have no problem whatsoever with people who drink. I have my own personal reasons for not drinking although I’ll quite happily go to the pub with my friends (and drink fruit juice the whole night). My main reason for writing this is to reassure prospective students who might have previously been put off by the drinking culture associated with university.
P.S. "sober student" has quite a good ring to it.
By Becky Golding
Image courtesy of Elevate via Pexels
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