The university experience is a mix of excitement, independence, and self-discovery. It’s time to go where you want to go, do what you want to do, and be who you want to be. It is also a time to enjoy parties, and most university parties involve alcohol for extra fun.
Sure, it’s a rite of passage, but drinking isn’t the right choice for everyone. And, while you may think otherwise, the truth is that not everyone drinks at university parties!
For example, you may choose not to drink because you have to drive back. Or, maybe it’s due to personal beliefs, health reasons, or just because you’re not in the mood to drink. Whatever the reason, it’s absolutely possible to have fun at a party without getting a buzz.
Even if everyone else is drinking, you don’t need to feel pressured into doing so just for the sake of keeping up with the status quo. Instead, try some of these tips below to keep the party going without drinking.
Pour Your Own Beverages
Knowing what’s in your beverage at a party is important for your own safety and self-awareness, and the best way to determine that is by pouring your drinks by yourself. Try to conjure up something tasty like a fun mocktail, or mix up some juice with bubbly water and lime to give you a delightful flavour and keep your hands busy.
Besides, when you’ve got a cup in your hand – no matter if it’s alcohol-free – nobody’s going to question you on why you’re not drinking. The best part: you won’t even get a hangover the next day. It’s a win-win situation!
Find an Activity
You might ask what there is to do at parties if you’re not drinking – but think again! There’s a ton of activities that you can do without getting drunk or even slightly boozy. How about you play DJ for the night? It’s a great way to meet and get to know new people.
Or, you could finally muster up the courage to talk to that person you’ve been bumping into at the library. When you’re sober and have your wits about you, you won’t have to worry about saying something you’ll regret in the morning. So use the opportunity to go beyond your comfort zone and strike up a conversation you might not have otherwise.
Stay Away From Drinking Games
The pressure to join in on drinking games like beer pong can be immense. So it’s actually a better idea to avoid the whole game in the first place unless you want yourself to be caught between explaining why you don’t want to drink and warding off the pressure to join in.
Unless you have a friend who will drink in your place or unless you are incredibly confident about your willpower, it’s better to simply stay away from situations that will make you uncomfortable.
Select Your Parties Carefully
If the people around you are making you anxious about your decision not to drink, don’t hesitate to exit the party. You shouldn’t have to experience awkward situations just because of peer pressure. If people call you out on your decision not to drink, realize that it’s time to call it a night and find better people to hang out with.
You could even throw together your own impromptu party at, say, your student apartment near University of Alberta, with people you like being around. That’s actually a party you would enjoy just by being yourself!
Be Confident About Your Decision
If you make the situation awkward, then it will be awkward. Nobody should have the right to question you or make you feel bad about your choices. And you should be confident in your decision (even if you have to fake it) and make people around you realize that it’s not such a big deal. And in any case – it’s your life, and your rules! Just make the whole thing a non-issue and enjoy the party.
At the end of the day, you know what’s best for you. And if that means keeping a clear head while you’re at a university party, there’s certainly nothing wrong with that.
