I’ve never been much of a partier. I enjoy being around people, but drinking and out-of-control partying just makes me uncomfortable. I’m much happier with a close group of friends, eating ice cream and playing games. Sometimes you need to be sober, find some wedding dresses, and have a photo shoot in your dorm room with your roommates.

Here are some reasons why drinking to excess isn’t my thing:

1. It’s unhealthy.

Alcoholic drinks can be full of calories, and alcohol itself just isn’t great for your body. Plus, if you wake up with a hangover you probably won’t want to hit the gym the next day, leaving you feeling lousy and grouchy.

2. It’s expensive.

Usually, if I go to buy wine at the store, I pick out bottles according to price and label. By label, I am referring to how pretty it is. If it’s sparkly, I’ll buy it. Buying wine at the store could set you back about $7, which isn’t terrible. However, if you go out with friends, you could easily spend about $10 a drink! If you drink two drinks a night, and you go out two times a week, that’s an extra $40 a week. Yikes!

3. You can’t drive.

Do not drink and drive. Order an Uber, get a friend, call a family member. Don’t drink and drive. There are times when I want to grab a casual drink with my friends, but it’s can be complicated finding a designated driver or calling a cab. It’s much easier to just skip the drinks and drive wherever we want without the added impediment.

4. I’m not a fan of the taste.

Of all the things I would risk being unhealthy and spending money on, alcohol is not one of them. In my opinion, if something has to be taken in rapid gulps, chased with something, or mixed with loads of sugar just to be tolerable, it probably isn’t worth drinking. I would prefer using my daily calories on a Coke, a hamburger, and some fries if I’m going to splurge.

5. You risk not remembering precious moments in time.

I’ve heard the phrase, “The best nights are the nights you don’t remember.” I very much disagree with this statement. I think it’s unfortunate to lose any of your memories in life, especially of fun nights out with friends!

After writing all of this, I wish to convey that I understand feelings about alcohol can be contentious. I support anyone who wishes to be responsible and safe in their own lifestyle. I wrote this article only because I think it can be hard in college to find a place to hang out with a large group of people and have a good time without alcohol present. For anyone struggling to maneuver through college in the party environment, know that you are not alone. You can have fun without alcohol. Be who you are, and always act responsibly.