There is a heavy stereotype of students that they drink excessive amounts and go out at least three times a week – much of which isn't true.
When joining the university, many students meet their friends through nights out and social events that involve drinking. Even if social events aren't happening in pubs or clubs, alcohol is somehow still always involved. Whilst there has recently been a 27% decline in 16–to 24-year-olds drinking, there still remains a strong presence of it in uni life.
Even if social events aren't happening in pubs or clubs, alcohol is somehow still always involved.
The first pressure of alcohol and university comes in the first week; 'freshers' bring big expectations that it will be the best and messiest week of your life. For many people, this can be their first proper experience with drinking. Meeting new flatmates who plan to go out can become a form of peer pressure to fit in with the university lifestyle. This can encourage people to go out multiple times, even if it is not something they enjoy.
Many first-year students can find themselves in the mindset that the year is for fun, as academic grades may not be as crucial as those in their second and third years. This can encourage people to go out a lot more.
Meeting new flatmates who plan to go out can become a form of peer pressure to fit in with the university lifestyle
I always found myself drinking a lot more than expected due to the drink taking away anxiety I may have had. Constantly feeling more sociable after a few drinks was my downfall – I would wake up the following morning without any idea of what occurred the night before. Most of the events and socials I attended were always centred around alcohol, and I felt the expectation to keep drinking throughout.
For people who choose not to go out regularly or drink at all – multiple questions come their way. It is rare to announce you won't be drinking without someone asking why, and if you can't provide them with a valid answer, you may face judgement. This includes being hit with the stereotype that you will struggle at uni if you don't drink or go out.
Most of the events and socials I attended were always centred around alcohol, and I felt the expectation to keep drinking throughout.
If you have faced this, I'd recommend surrounding yourself with people of similar mindsets. There has been a rise in people drinking less whilst at university, which may make it easier to connect with people alike.
Likewise, it can be helpful to find ways to socialise that don't involve alcohol, including things such as going for food or doing an activity. Even for a night out, allow yourself to recognise your limits.
This was the best thing for me (don't get me wrong, I can still have those messy nights) - but I'm a lot more aware of my limits and less afraid to display them.
If you do find yourself struggling with alcohol at university, reach out to the wellbeing team for support.
