Due to media depictions, advertisements, and historical perception of student culture, it is assumed that drinking alcohol comes part and parcel with the lifestyle. Whether you were a drinker before moving away for your education or not, it is easy to assume that you MUST become a drinker to enjoy a social life at uni. However, that isn’t the truth, and it certainly is not a fact. If you for whatever reason, whether it be personal, religious or for health reasons do not drink or want to drink for that matter, you are no way obliged to, regardless of how student life is depicted and advertised.

Student culture and alcohol:

Studies have shown that an overwhelming majority of students (81%) believe that drinking and getting drunk is a part of university culture with over half of them (53%) stating that they drink alcohol more than once a week. When the facts are laid bare in such a way, it can seem as though it is a given that students need to drink in order to socialise and fit in with their peers. This isn’t necessarily the case however as studies also show that 78% of students believe you do not have to get drunk to have a good time. This demonstrates that there is a significant section of students who will share your beliefs and sensibilities if you do not want to drink. The same can be seen amongst the newer generation of young adults between the age of 18-24 who are becoming more ‘sober-curious’. It has been found that the percentage of young adults who do not drink has increased from 14% to 21% since 2017. The trend of young people and students who do not feel the need to drink to engage with student life is on the rise, so there is no need to feel alone in your endeavour to enjoy yourself whilst sober.

Drinking and peer pressure:

One of the primary reasons that those who aren’t typically drinkers or do not enjoy being drunk engage with student drinking culture is due to pressure. When you arrive at your accommodation, whether it be in student housing or a hall of residence, you may soon feel pressured to take part in some sort of drinking game or activity. Whether it be due to social anxiety, wanting to fit in or even to impress new people you are meeting, you might go against your wants and instincts and decide to indulge in drinking. Whilst there is no issue with drinking in moderation and enjoying yourself, the issue arises when you feel you have been coerced into drinking or done so against your wishes. The impact of peer pressure on drinking culture is clear to see as 69% of young adults feel the pressure to drink more from their friends. Here are some primary examples of how peer pressure affects people and can influence them to drink:

• Parties revolving around communal drinking games
• Friends pleading you to stay for another drink
• Being told you’re spoiling people’s fun
• Getting mocked for not drinking
• Feeling isolated by those who are drinking for not doing the same
• Pressure to keep up with others drinking pace when in a round of drinks
• Drinks being offered or handed to you when you never asked
• Not wanting to seem rude for saying no to a drink

Having fun as a student without drinking:

It may seem that opportunities to socialise and enjoy oneself as a sober student is incredibly limited. But this is purely down to perception. Universities and colleges are jam packed with opportunities for fun and socialising. Here are just a few of the suggestions to help you find something that might suit you:

Keep an eye out for events at the student union:

The student union buildings on campus are typically associated with drinking activities and club nights, but there is so much more too them. Throughout the week there will be a host of different events held at the student union, often one’s that don’t involve any alcohol. This might be board game nights, cinema nights, book clubs or even something more out there such as pet therapy sessions.

Activity based venues:

Many venues targeting young adults 18 years old and above might typically revolve around alcohol. However, with a lot of these places, the focus will more be on the activity or event. Some examples of this are place like Flight Club, Junkyard Golf or NQ64, where you can take part in fun activities such as darts, mini golf and video games.  You can challenge friends to take part, and there are also a selection of alcohol-free drinks and mocktails to add something extra to your time there and ensure you don’t feel left out of those who are drinking.

Join societies:

Your flatmates ideas for socialising might revolve entirely around drinking, club nights and the pub. But these might not appeal to you, but due to your social group, you may feel pressure to get involved and join in with drinking. If you however want to expand your social circle and meet more likeminded people who enjoy the same things as you, finding societies that suit could be the perfect solution. No matter you interest, there will be a society for you. It can give structure to your social life and enable you to meet new people, thus expanding your student life and experience.

Using a Student Assistance Programme to support with peer pressure

It can be difficult to overcome peer pressure, especially as a student trying to overcome the pressures of drinking to maintain a social life. In instances where you feel you need support and guidance to overcome these pressures; you can access HA | Wisdom Wellbeing’s Student Assistance Programme (SAP). With access to a confidential 24/7 helpline, you can connect with our expert, BACP accredited counsellors for solution-based therapy, 365-days a year. No matter the issue, our counsellors can support you. As well as this, you will also have access to the Wisdom App, loaded with resources to support your mental and physical wellbeing such as breathing exercises, short fitness routines and a host of podcasts that cover a range of wellbeing topics.

Conclusion

The pressure to drink as a student can seem overwhelming and mandatory in some cases. The solution is to know where you can express and enjoy yourself without the pressure to drink. Student life is about more than drinking to have fun, it is about discovering what you enjoy, educating yourself and becoming more fulfilled and confident as a person. Drinking does not need to be a part of this journey if you do not want it to be, so don’t feel the need to be pressured into drinking to enjoy yourself.