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Say the word college, and odds are, if you live in the US, the idea of red solo cups and late nights spent partying will come to mind. That image is unescapable. The party college scene is in about every show or movie displaying the typical fun college experience. But honestly, it’s an overused and harmful stereotype. If someone chooses to drink responsibly, that’s completely acceptable, but the social expectation to binge drink is definitively not.Â
I’m not here to judge anyone, but this post is for anyone on the fence about drinking in college. You don’t have to feel pressured to drink in college, and you don’t have to feel like a prude either. Some people don’t drink due to religious reasons, health reasons, or personal reasons. Whatever your reason is, your decision is important and deserves to be respected. Here are 7 reasons why I chose not to drink in college.
- You're able to make friends that enjoy other activities.
If you go to a school with a drinking culture, it can be difficult to find structured activities to fill your weekend evenings, however, you can find a group of friends that also chose not to drink in college. You’ll likely enjoy doing activities other than drinking and partying. For example, you can find or host a game night, go to a play/movie/ comedy show, or just simply hang out. Your friend group will be based on shared interests and bonding outside the confines of a party.
2. You can set the time when you feel personally more comfortable with drinking.
Without the social pressure of grabbing a drink at a college party or social event, you can decide on your own time when and if you’re comfortable with drinking. Maybe you’d be more comfortable drinking after you turn 21, if you set that decision, then you’ll take pressure off yourself when it comes time to deciding whether or not to attend a party where alcohol is served.Â
- People will learn to respect your decision even if they don't understand it.
When you first enter college, you may face a bit of confusion from others either directly or indirectly about your decision not to drink. They may ask you why, and it’s important to realize that you don’t have to give an answer. However, even if they don’t understand, they will learn to respect your decision and will likely respect you for your ability to avoid giving into to social pressure.Â
4. You'll save money over time.
Alcohol is expensive! Depending on the bar, a cocktail can cost around $15 USD and a wine or beer will likely be around $7 USD. That adds up over time. You can still enjoy a nice meal or appetizers, and you’ll save money which is important especially on a student budget by sticking to a non-alcoholic beverage.Â
5. You won't spend the next morning with a hang over.
For those spending a heavy night of drinking, it’ll likely carry on into the next morning. They’ll likely wake up late and wake up feeling not great. If you choose not to drink in college, there’s no risk of a hang over! You’ll wake up feeling fine and ready to face the day allowing you to spend more time on things that matter to you.Â
6. Drinking alcohol excessively is not healthy.
Not only can alcohol make you feel hung over, bloated, and dehydrated, but it can also do some serious damage if not enjoyed responsibly. It can have short-term effects such as alcohol poisoning or long-term effects like liver disease. Read this resource from the CDC to learn more.
7. Choosing not to drink can prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you.
It should come as no surprise that drinking can increase risky behaviors. Some may be minor such as tripping, and other consequences can be more severe such as getting behind the wheel when intoxicated. If you don’t expose yourself to that kind of behavior and/or environment, you’re more likely to stay safe. If you do choose to be in an environment where binge drinking and risky behavior is taking place and you remain sober, you can look out for yourself and others with a clear head. If you want to learn some stats on the risks of college drinking, check out this post.
