How to Avoid Alcohol at University

Gosh, how many times I changed my mind on this post’s title. Previous ideas included ‘How to Survive at Uni and not Drink Alcohol’ and ‘How to Avoid Alcohol at University and Have Fun’ but they seemed too long. Anyway, enough of me rambling, I hope it’s clear what the post will be about.

You know I’m not an alcohol fan, so let’s cut to the chase. It’s the time of year when many new students are gearing up to go uni. There’ll no doubt be nerves about the experience. One of my main worries regarding university was coping with the drinking culture when I didn’t drink. I soon discovered that I was not alone (huge sigh of relief). With that in mind, here are a few suggestions on how to have the best time at uni without going near the A-word.

How to Avoid Alcohol at University

Surround yourself with the right people

I’m fine if my friends want to drink. That’s their choice. However, I witnessed incidences where people are pressured to drink and when they don’t, they are labelled as boring and ignored. This is really upsetting, so don’t be afraid to stop being ‘friends’ with such people. Life is too short to put up with that kind of treatment and you don’t want your university experience ruined right at the beginning.

I’m lucky that my flatmates and course mates understand my feelings, some of them don’t drink either. If you’re in a situation where none of your flatmates etc. respect your decisions, here’s what you could do.

Societies

There’s a wealth of things to do at uni besides studying. Societies cater for a wide variety of interests and allow you to discover new hobbies. Perhaps try out societies not based around nights out. For example, at my uni, you could join groups such as baking, tea society and volunteering.

This past year, I was a member of the student newspaper. Meetings were at 4pm, and rather than alcohol, biscuits were the recurring refreshment.

What’s more, I made new friends and expanded my writing repertoire. Societies are definitely a good starting place.

Ask on Social Media

Most universities have Facebook groups for Freshers’. Why not add a post asking if anyone isn’t fussed about drinking and wants to have an alcohol-free get together? Someone did this when I went to uni and a group of us went for a meal the first night of Freshers’.

Start your Own Society

Whilst society weekly meetings may not include alcohol, the big socials still do! When it comes to how to avoid alcohol at university completely, what is the solution? Well, why not start your own alcohol-free society? You could organise events and trips out with the added bonus of being hangover free the next morning.

Of course, if you want to have a drink, then that’s fine. I’ve made it known that I like my Friday night G&T. When it’s the end of exams, treat yourself with that glass of prosecco. Whatever your attitude to alcohol, just make sure you think first about why you’re drinking and never let anyone force you to do something you don’t want to.

Megan x