A Dry Student On A Wet Campus
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

A Dry Student On A Wet Campus

I'd pick soda-pop over giggle juice any day.

1432
A Dry Student On A Wet Campus
Photo by Marcel Strauß on Unsplash

I’m a college student who has chosen not to drink.


I know, what could I possibly be thinking? I must be crazy or at least a little bit self-loathing. I mean, what other reason could I possibly have for denying myself the company of a loyal friend by the name of Jack Daniels? Or the adventurous weekends catalyzed by a bit of giggle juice?

I can assure you, despite what you are probably thinking, I am not unhinged nor do I derive pleasure from some type of masochistic denial. I simply just do not have an interest in alcohol, and I do not think I ever will.

“But why, Megan? Why don’t you want to try it? It is just a normal part of the college experience. Live a little. Be adventurous.”


The truth of the matter is that not everyone goes to college with the intentions of experimenting with drugs, alcohol and sex.

I blame my childhood for this one. My life is one that has been saturated with booze, in the worst possible way, for as long as I can remember, and I am not talking about watching my parents have a glass of wine or a beer in the evenings. Oh no, if that were the case I may actually consider putting the stuff to my lips.

In my case, however, I am better safe than sorry.


Now let me make a few things clear.

Just because I have chosen to hop on the train of sobriety for the long haul, I have no issues with college students who choose to drink, but I also do not want to play babysitter.


I am all for hearing about other people’s nights out, but I will say no each and every time when I know there will be booze in the mix. I would much rather spend time doing anything else (yes, even homework) than parading around with a group of people who have indulged a little too much.

That being said, I also don’t spend all of my time hulled up in my bedroom binge-watching Netflix. (Okay, maybe some weekends I do, but I think we are all guilty of that, right)? Instead, I have been able to find people who accept and often share, my mindset. It has given me a great group of people to have fun with in other ways, and we really do have fun.

Finally, in the end, I have discovered that people really do not care if I choose not to drink. They learn that that is just how I roll. There are typically some initial questions, but very rarely have people continued to pressure me after I give them a little insight.

So, drink or don’t drink in college. It is a personal choice that everyone should make for themselves. If it is not your scene or if it something you would rather leave for the occasional weekend, that is okay! On the flip side if you find that it is your favorite way to unwind at the end of the week then have at it.

The most important thing is that people respect other people's choices, and ensure that no matter which course they choose, they are being safe, healthy, and happy.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

48815
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

31040
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954846
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180163
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments