College. It’s a roller coaster of a ride.
We are all ripped away from our families and comfortable home lives, and placed into this mosh pit of people from every possible background. We do so, willingly. And then maybe realize a few weeks later that either 1) Wow this is great! I’ve met so many people. Or, 2) Wow I’m not like any of these people, what have I done?
You’re not alone, trust me.
Thankfully, I was blessed freshmen year and had roommates who felt the same; that the party scene was not for them. Then sophomore year came, and I started to get curious. That curiosity quickly faded, after spending a party bouncing between the same five friends that I had come with, and then spending the rest of the time hiding in the backyard. Obviously, large crowds are not for everyone.
It’s okay to not enjoy parties. And staying in doesn’t make you weird.
It took me so long to realize this. I didn’t even go to that many parties, but I always felt like I should, because college students tend to be more accepting when you do. But anytime there was one, I would make an excuse as to why I was busy.
Then it finally hit me in the face like the ping pong ball that completely missed the beer pong table. Why should I be ashamed of not being a party person? I admire all my friends who don’t go to parties, and I think so highly of them.
Because it’s hard. It’s hard to be the one to say you’d rather stay home alone while everyone puts of their short shorts and crop tops and leaves at 10 pm. I’m not saying it’s bad to go out, you live your college life to the full experience, whatever that means to you. But if you don’t? You are not alone, and you’ll be feeling a lot better than your hungover roommate the next morning.
Don’t change who you are to get the “college experience.”
If you want to test it out, go for it. But if it’s not your thing, don’t feel bad and don’t force yourself to do it. There are so many other girls who don’t like it either, and staying in and baking cookies can be a lot more fun than getting baked.
You can get the “full college experience” without having to get creeped on by some guy, or without some girl throwing up on your shoes at a party.
Find your people who also prefer blankets over booze, and settle in for the night.
Or go explore the city, get some ice cream, eat some dinner, make memories that you’ll actually remember the next day. You’ll get the college experience that you’ll be happy to share with your family at Thanksgiving, and you’ll have a variety of memories. Because honestly, no one cares about the last twelve parties you attended.
Take it from the homebodies, there’s so much more to college than partying.