HattieChaos wrote:I hate Britain's drinking culture. I've just started university, I applied and got in at the last minute so I missed Fresher's Week and boy am I glad I did. All anyone wants to talk about is drinking. Personally I don't drink, I absolutely don't feel I am any better than those that do (unless it's all they rely on for a good time...), but it seems some of them do look down on those like me. The other day someone in my lecture was talking to me and asked if I joined the Psychology Society. I told him I had just started uni so I hadn't had a massive amount of time to check out the societies yet but that it sounded pretty cool. He said they had already had a couple of socials and the "drinking there was insane", immediately launching into a long list of the alcoholic beverages he drank and the details of what followed in the morning. I do not understand the joy people get from putting their bodies through that, but I just said "I don't really drink", and then he said "Why not?" so I told him I simply didn't like the taste. He then said "That's a bit lightweight, loosen up". He laughed as he said it so I didn't take it seriously, but then got up to sit beside someone else. Apparently the minute I reveal my aversion to binge drinking I am no longer worth talking to.
Now I don't want to join any societies. I have heard the Psych society has some brilliant opportunities but I fear it'll just be me sat in the corner of a room being completely ignored. It really shouldn't be the case that not drinking essentially leads to loss of opportunity at university (or at least this one).
I'm studying in the USA for a year atm and I really really miss the 'drinking' (although for me it's less about drinking and more about socialising) culture. Being away has really made me miss the UK uni life, so I apologise if this comes off as more sappy than I mean it! Don't give up on societies, although there is often a lot of drinking involved, more often then not you can still take part in socials and not drink! No-one at my uni (in the midlands) takes any notice of people and their drinking habits when out.
Advice for you! Take as many opportunities to meet people now as you can! It's so much easier when you first start, and take advantage! Join a sports soc if you're active, although in most unis theyre the most 'crazy' partiers, they also have a lot of serious athletes (depending of course at which uni you're at!) who will avoid alcohol at all costs, so you'll have plenty of people to hang out with and laugh at all the drunkards! And it's a brilliant way to stay fit.
I hope you're having fun though! I miss my freshers. Just remember you only need 40% first year, so take advantage of that! I'm having to research for my dissertation while I'm here and it's hell!
Shots fired
