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Surviving Student Socialising as a Teetotaller

When people think of the typical student lifestyle, one of the first things to spring to mind is alcohol. Arguably, the stories we read in the media are rare cases, used to sensationalise the student lifestyle. You will, however, be surrounded by alcohol on campus. Most students will only just have turned 18 and want to make the most of it. If you’re a Muslim, LDS, or simply don’t drink alcohol for any other reason, you may find yourself under pressure to engage with the drinking culture. Here is how you get through it.

 

The Statistics Laid Bare

Media stories of drunken students going on rampages, being hospitalised with alcohol poisoning and generally being a nuisance in their new hometown happens, but it is rare. According to a report in 2014, up to 1/3 of students reported they had stopped drinking alcohol in order to save money. The increasing cost of study means that students are looking for new forms of entertainment without alcohol. The survey also demonstrated that today’s students are drinking less than previous generations. It’s not difficult to abstain from alcohol today.

 

Remember: Fresher’s Week is the Exception, Not the Rule

Fresher’s Week or Induction Week appears to be one long alcohol-fuelled introduction to university. It has many students wondering whether they have made a big mistake, teetotallers and the socially awkward alike. The most important thing to remember that Fresher’s Week is the exception to the rule. Students who are at university to spend 3-4 years getting drunk will have a rude awakening and will most likely drop out. Try not to use the introductory week as a gauge for the whole degree course.

 

Choose Your Friends Wisely

You’re old enough to make your own decisions about what to drink and when. Most people will not attempt to pressure you into drinking alcohol when you can’t or have chosen not to. Those who do are not worth your time. Spend time choosing your friends wisely. Regardless of your reasons for refusing to drink alcohol, you will find the majority of your new friends and acquaintances will respect your decision. The student bar can be a fun place to be, to relax and mix with people, but alcohol is not obligatory.

 

Join Societies and Attend Events

Most people enjoy alcohol for its own sake but others drink to simply join in and not feel left out. There are other avenues you can pursue to feel part of the crowd that won’t (always) involve alcohol. Political societies, creative groups, sports clubs and more will help you feel as if you belong. Extra-curricular activity is a major part of the student lifestyle that too many simply bypass. Joining such a group will help take your mind off the anxiety of the alcohol division.