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Alcohol – perhaps the most talked-about topic among students. It’s always in the air on campus, pre-, during and Post-Study; but what does its presence mean for those who don’t drink?
Alcohol has been a massive part of my life, and it will remain to be forever. In November 2009, I lost my Dad to Alcohol. An addiction that he didn’t realise drove him to depression and the decision to end his life. He left behind a wife, and 3 young children (12, 10 and 7) with me being the eldest.
After seeing the effects of alcohol from a young age, I made the decision not to drink. This is something I am open about; friends and family around me know and understand my choice, and it’s something that I would be comfortable to share with strangers if I had to.
Is there a pressure to drink at uni? #UniDrinkingCulture #PeerPressure
— OpinionPanel (@OpinionPanelEd) October 8, 2018
Before starting University in 2015, not drinking was something I worried would negatively impact my university experience. Everyone my age talked non-stop about Alcohol – Freshers, Student Nights, Halls – it was always at the top of the list. I was worried I’d be excluded from events and seen as a bore… “what kind of student doesn’t drink ?” or “come on have a drink, it won’t do you any harm!” were some responses I expected.
This was not the case. As I was getting to know someone I would tell them the above, and the reaction turned out better than I expected… “I’m sorry to hear that” … “there’s nothing wrong with not drinking”. It was nice to know I’d still be accepted, but why did I ever feel the need to give an explanation?
“if you’re honest and open from the beginning, you’ll have nothing to worry about”
For me, this wasn’t a problem – I’m comfortable telling anyone, but for some, it may not be something they want to share, or they may just not have a reason. This hidden pressure of drinking is out there, but not often brought to the surface.
In September 2018, I’ll be off to a new University to start a new degree, so of course my worries are fresh on my mind again. However, this time around, I feel more comfortable and open, and I’m looking forward to getting started. If you’re in the same position as I am, don’t fret; if you’re honest and open from the beginning, you’ll have nothing to worry about.
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I think…that everyone should be respected and accepted for their decisions. Personally I would like to never consume alcohol in my life- I’ve seen what it does to people (and having nearly lost my uncle who I am very close to due to liver sclerosis) and I have been put off of the stuff totally.
As well as this, people are often on medications these days which prohibit alcohol, and I do not think they should be targeted/picked on for having to abstain from drinking.
It is my opinion that alcohol is not the be all and end all of life- I have lived in a tee-total family and we all live perfectly well without alcohol!
I have found this is not the case, I go out and enjoy clubbing and other events where people around me are drinking, no one can tell a sober person from a crowd, and no one is worried if you are sober as long as you’re enjoying yourself. I didn’t think going out clubbing etc was for me (because I dont drink), but I was wrong it’s a lot of fun, and you get to remember the whole night whereas others do not haha!
The worst part is that not drinking can really limit your social life. It would feel so awkward being the only one who’s sober in a room full of drunks, you know? That’s why I’ve never been out clubbing or gone to parties. What social activities are left where people don’t drink?