As a freshman in college, I would consider myself as an outcast for a few simple reasons. I chose not to party, drink, or smoke. I seemed to isolate myself from the stereotypical college student who parties every weekend. For no reason other than that fact that the lifestyle I mentioned does not interest me in the slightest.

This article is not intended in any way to be judgmental or offend anyone. It is simply my thoughts on my lifestyle.

The looks I receive when I utter the words "I have never been to a college party," surprised me at first. Everyone seemed eager to be the one to take me to my first party. After explaining that I have no interest in underage drinking, I am told that I can still go and not drink. While before college, I assumed that everyone drank at parties, so I was a little surprised. However, I have yet again chosen to refrain from attending a party. I would rather curl up in bed and watch Netflix on a Friday night than be surrounded by strangers who are under the influence. I would rather spend my Saturday night reading a book or working on homework (It is the reason we are in college, afterall) than leave a situation smelling of alcohol and weed. It is something I am not interested in, and that is okay.

Yet, I still get odd looks when I say "I have no interest in drinking alcohol." In this generation, I guess I am a unicorn when it comes to social aspects. I am a rare odd-ball who does not want to engage in typical college events. I am a firm believer that you can have just as much fun sober than drunk, or so the conclusion I have gathered since being in a college town. After all, drinking under the age of 21 is against the law- a fact that many people chose to forget.

I have now been exposed to nearly a full year at school. Although there have been rough patches along the way, overall I have loved my college experience. I am a prime example that you do not have to go out and party in order to have fun in college.

College is about getting an education first and foremost. Students pay a hefty amount of money each semester to attend, therefore receiving a diploma should be the top priority of students. One thing I have learned, is that it is good to have close friends in college. No matter what it is that you spend your time doing, it is important to have good company. I am proud to say that I have found countless friends who I always have a great time with. They never pressure me into doing anything that I am uncomfortable doing, which means a lot to me.

Choosing to take the road less travelled in college is something that I am proud of. I have stuck true to myself by not giving into peer pressure. I do not judge friends who party and drink, and I am happily surprised by the amount of peers that do not pressure me to get involved with those stereotypical things. College is always said to be the best years of your life. Make the most of them while staying true to yourself.