How to make friends who aren’t into drinking?

[Anonymous]

My DS has noted that all the social events for incoming freshmen have revolved around drinking. He’s not really into that (yet). He’s wondering how to meet other guys who aren’t into it.

Don’t say “the Mormons” because we’re not Mormons. 😃

[Anonymous]

Baptist Student Union?

[Anonymous]

He needs to figure this out for himself!!

[Anonymous]

all the social events for incoming freshmen have revolved around drinking.

For? You mean put on by the college?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DS has noted that all the social events for incoming freshmen have revolved around drinking. He’s not really into that (yet). He’s wondering how to meet other guys who aren’t into it.

Don’t say “the Mormons” because we’re not Mormons. 😃

What school is this? It seems odd that every event would be alcohol-related. Or even … any of the organized social events? Or are there not orientation events at his school?

[Anonymous]

Board Games. We would stay up until 2 AM playing Catan and Risk.

[Anonymous]

A lot of schools have a clubs fair or similar at the beginning of the year. Departments often have speakers—go to any that sound remotely interesting and they almost always have food, other people who are less oriented to drinking culture. Trivia nights in the student union.

[Anonymous]

Hang out in common room spaces and join clubs. Do the things you like to do. Don’t go to parties if not your thing, aren’t meeting your people there. Mine has a very full social lives without alcohol. They do games, activities, dinners, go grab coffee, gym, sports on quad, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DS has noted that all the social events for incoming freshmen have revolved around drinking. He’s not really into that (yet). He’s wondering how to meet other guys who aren’t into it.

Don’t say “the Mormons” because we’re not Mormons. 😃

What school is this? It seems odd that every event would be alcohol-related. Or even … any of the organized social events? Or are there not orientation events at his school?

NP. Once the 2-3 college events are done, it must be all the other unofficial events.
Possibly also club events. Rock climbing club, football fans, running club, or whatever.

[Anonymous]

I would suggest he join clubs geared toward volunteerism or early-morning activities (like hiking) or really any club he’s interested in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

all the social events for incoming freshmen have revolved around drinking.

For? You mean put on by the college?

No by other students, upperclassmen, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

all the social events for incoming freshmen have revolved around drinking.

For? You mean put on by the college?

No by other students, upperclassmen, etc.

Just because people are drinking, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it. DD’s college has a really amazing outdoors club and students traditionally bring wine out camping- but you don’t have to indulge. If it’s a party, obviously it’ll be a bit more fun drunk, but everyday social events? Who cares.

[Anonymous]

Singing club? You can't sing when you are drunk. Same for dancing club.

Anything related to healthy lifestyles, hiking, rockclimbing.

[Anonymous]

Does he not want to drink and/or not want to go to events centered around drinking. If the latter, the suggestions above are great. If the former, he can go to the parties and just not drink. I had a few good guy friends in college who loved going to frat parties where there was a lot of drinking but they didn't drink. They still had a great time and most people (except a few jerks) fully accepted their decision. One of them had a car so was a great friend as he was happy to be designated driver.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He needs to figure this out for himself!!

Amen! OP sounds like a helicopter parent.