Yeah, I'm talking to you. Yes, you, the one who's curled up in a blanket, sitting on a computer chair watching Moana for the 10th time this week on a Friday night. It's completely OK to be like this and don't feel like people are judging you because of it.
I guess due to the dozens of college party movies that have been created such as American Pie, Superbad, Life of the Party, and heck even Monsters University, there's a huge misconception about college life. Sure, there are a couple parties here and there, but they're definitely not like what you see on the big screen. In fact, most people who say they drink probably don't really like drinking all that much. You have to remember that we're all trying to fit in with the crowd. People say things that may not be true not because they're deceptive but because they want to belong.
The fact of the matter is, you don't have to succumb to this kind of culture that people think college is made up of.
It's okay to not go to Coachella, EDC, raves, nightclubs, or frat parties. It's okay to prefer La Croix over beer and yes, you're not the only one who thinks alcohol tastes like poison. People don't "hook-up" as much as they say they do and you don't need to be "cuffed" to enjoy your young life. It's completely A-OK to spend your Friday night with a couple of friends and a whole lot of junk food. It's okay to want to go home to your family on the weekends and it's OK to say that your mother is the one you text the most.
Now, this doesn't mean you shouldn't step out of your comfort zone. Remember, college is also about trying out things you've never seen or heard about before and talking to people you may have not approached when you were in high school. This can be as simple as joining a Theatre Club even though you're terrified of public speaking. This can be as easy as asking your floor-mate to get ice cream with you. This can also mean exploring your college community and finding some hidden hang-out spots!
If anything, you're going to remember the people you make meaningful friendships with, that one class that changed your whole perspective on life, or that one student organization that you were able to make a difference in.
If you just don't see yourself in that stereotypical "college scene," just know you're not alone. The best thing about college is that there are probably dozens of other people just like you who would LOVE to watch Moana or binge The Great British Baking Show. You don't have to force yourself in a loud, sweaty, and cramped environment to say you had "fun" in college.
You will encounter peer pressure to do things you don't want to do. Listen, you don't need to say yes and you don't have to make up an excuse (unless you really need to and by all means pull that "I'm allergic to alcohol" card). In my experience, just straight up saying, "I'm not into parties" is enough. Whatever they think of you after is their issue. You're not going to look lame, boring, or uptight. You're just doing you, and that is always enough.
