A lot of people put university and alcohol hand in hand, but the number of students who choose not to drink is on the rise going against the boozing student stereotype.

Back at home in the days leading up to welcome week, most of my friends were talking about nightclubs and parties at their university. This scared me, the fear of peer pressure and not being able to join in was constantly on my mind. The day came, it was my first day at university, and all I could see were posters for big nights out and cheap drinks deals.

I met my flat fairly quickly, a bunch of 1^st and 3^rd years, most of them keen to go out during welcome week, but what shocked me is how they responded when I said that I wasn’t a drinker. There was no peer pressure at all and everyone was still keen for me to get involved. The first night was a pub quiz, some chose to have a pint or two and some didn’t, it was nice and chilled. Some of the first few nights the flat had pre-drinks and I joined in, sticking to energy drinks to keep up with the madness. It was a great night, we played card games, chatted, had a good laugh and those who wanted to go out, went.

This mentality carried on throughout the year. I joined several societies and got to meet some great people, most of which I still know now. There were several society events that I went to, and it was the same as that first week, some drank and some didn’t, but everyone had a good time.

One particular society was pool and darts, both bar sports. This one worried me a lot coming to uni as I enjoyed pool and I didn’t want the anxiety that sometimes comes with not drinking to stop me from joining in. I have now been part of County College Pool team for 4 years, being captain for 2 years. I have a pint of fresh orange juice before every game and some still do tease me for it, but I can see that it’s meant in a joking way, nothing malicious. So even in societies that are known for drinking, there still isn’t that expectation, so don’t be afraid to join in.

Unfortunately, my experience isn’t the same across the board. Some students are pressured into drinking or always question why you don’t, even if you don’t want to give a reason. One of my friends was put in this position several times, but they went to their fresher rep and college for advice which really seemed to help. If someone is pressuring you to drink, the likelihood is that they are on their own. Most people understand now that some don’t drink, whether that be for the likes of medical or religious reasons. And for those who do pressure those to drink, take a step back and think about what you’re doing, it’s their choice and people don’t have to explain that choice to you.

Drinking at university is not a necessity, it’s a choice that everyone has, but no matter on your decision, you will still enjoy life at Lancaster!

 

Ian Meeks