As my senior year approaches I can say something that most college seniors cannot say: I have never attended a college party. With that, I can honestly say I do not feel like I missed out on anything. College can be done right without partying.
When most people think of college, they think of frat parties. Drinking parties. All of that just never appealed to me. Maybe that's because I am not a big drinker. Or maybe it's because the idea of cramming into a small house where you are on top of people who all smell like booze just did not strike me as a fun night. Possibly it was the thought of spending the night throwing up from too much alcohol only to wake up the next morning feeling like complete garbage. Oh I know, maybe it was the thought of just drinking to where I did not even remember what happened.
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As you can probably tell, I just do not see the fun of drinking. Sure I will have one here and there, but overall, it is just not something I see as being essential to a good day or night. Add in some of the stories I have heard about college parties and the idea that I did not want to attend one was cemented in my head.
Now I am writing this article for those who are just starting their college journeys. When I started as a freshman, no one told me I did not need to party to enjoy college, but I had that mindset going in. But I am sure there were some of my fellow classmates who did not see themselves as partiers and drinkers that ended up getting sucked into a few. And a portion of those people probably hated it and very well could have began to dislike college as a result.
So to those starting out now, I am here to tell you if you do not like to drink or do not find being cramped in a small area surrounded by people drinking and doing who the hell knows what, do not feel like you need to go to a college party. These things are not for everyone, and that is perfectly fine. Do not give into any pressure because you feel it is the "college thing to do."
College is way more than parties. First off, you are going to college to get an education. And that education is going to set you up to make a living in life. Take it from a guy entering his senior year: do not put off you classes because you want to go get wasted at a party.
Just as importantly, you will make some lifelong friends at college. These friends will be with you for the rest of your life. A college party will be a few hours in your life, and you may or may not remember what happened there. So why not just spend the night with some of your closest friends instead.
Sure you and your friends could go to a party. But how many other people are going to be there? A lot. So at the end of the day, you are not simply hanging out with them if you go to a party. Get a group of friends and go out to dinner. Go walk around campus and catch some Pokemon if that's what you are all into. If you all want to watch a show on Netflix, binge watch some Netflix. The point is you and your group of friends, or even you and your best friend, have plenty of options outside of partying.
College has that stigma that it is party central. And sure there are plenty of them that go on. But you do not have to go to them just because you feel forced to. If the things I listed earlier are not down your alley, just remember it is not something you have to do.
Now if you enjoy those kind of things, I am not stopping you from going. All I am saying is college can be enjoyed without it. I would hate to see someone have their college experience ruined because they thought they needed to go out and party. So those of you like me who are not all that into drinking, do not be afraid to say no to that party invite. Go enjoy a Monmouth basketball game, Netflix or spend some time with friends doing something you will actually enjoy.
College is supposed to be some of the best four years of your life. And those four years can be pretty great without ever stepping foot inside of a frat house to party.
