Student Minds took to social media to see how non-drinking students managed starting university without taking part in alcohol-fuelled activities.
If you’re heading off to university as a non-drinker, you may feel a little apprehensive as talk of drunken nights out goes around. Will you feel excluded? Will you feel pressured?
Here are the top 5 tips from students who have been through the process of starting university, meeting new people and throwing themselves into all things freshers - but without drinking alcohol. A sober freshers isn’t just possible, but can be enjoyable too!
Get involved in other ways
Universities are increasingly catering to a variety of student preferences - one of which is the creation of a host of freshers events that have nothing to do with alcohol. These alternative events can be a great way to meet like-minded people while doing something fun.
Don’t be put off by ‘drinking events’
Club nights, house parties and other events that often seem to centre around drinking are not as exclusive as they may seem. If you still want to go to these things, it is okay to do so without consuming alcohol.
Be yourself
When you’re trying to make a good impression on a bunch of new people it can sometimes feel easier to go with the flow of what everyone else is doing instead of resisting that pressure. Remember that who you are and the personal decisions you make are good enough and people will like you for who you are - regardless of whether you drink or not.
Tell people
From the promotion of Freshers’ Weeks to the mainstream media coverage of university life, it can seem like everyone is regularly downing pints in the nearest bar. Although this is true for some students, once you get to university you will realise how many people do not take part in this culture.
It can seem intimidating to let people know at first, especially when it seems like every other fresher is doing shots every night of the week. But people who genuinely want to be friends with you will respect your choice and make things easier for you to get involved in other ways.
Don’t believe the hype
It can seem intimidating to let people know at first, especially when it seems like every other fresher is doing shots every night of the week. But people who genuinely want to be friends with you will respect your choice and make things easier for you to get involved in other ways.
From the promotion of Freshers’ Weeks to the mainstream media coverage of university life, it can seem like everyone is regularly downing pints in the nearest bar. Although this is true for some students, once you get to university you will realise how many people do not take part in this culture.
Is drinking a #FresherPressure you’ve faced at university? Read more about student’s experiences here.
Alys has produced content as the Communications Intern at Student Minds, passionate to share student voices in creative and engaging ways. She is going into her second year studying Sociology and sporadically writes about mental health over at www.alysjournals.com.
Alys has produced content as the Communications Intern at Student Minds, passionate to share student voices in creative and engaging ways. She is going into her second year studying Sociology and sporadically writes about mental health over at www.alysjournals.com.
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