Alcohol Dominates Student Life
February 3rd, 2009 | Categories: Friends, School | 8 CommentsIn the United States, it is illegal for an individual under the age of 21 to drink alcohol. Most other countries in the world either do not have an age limit for drinking alcohol or the age is 18 rather than 21. The debate about lowering the drinking age in the States or abolishing the law altogether is a heated one, but regardless of whether or not the law is changed, the fact remains that alcohol is a dominant part of student life.
I live on-campus at my university, and my university campus is a dry campus1, but no campus is truly “dry.” There are always ways to get alcohol even if you are underage, and it’s not uncommon to see transports2 on the weekends because of some students partying too hard. It seems like student life revolves around alcohol, and students become obsessed with it as they adapt the “it’s not fun unless alcohol is involved” attitude. A lot of the appeal to do with the “forbidden fruit”3 factor, but some of it has to do with media and culture, too.
I choose not to drink alcohol by choice; it has never been appealing to me because of both the taste as well as some existing family issues stemming from alcohol and other drugs. This doesn’t mean I judge those that do choose to drink; however, it means that I have a tendency to worry about my friends’ crazy, drunken antics because I usually am the one that is sober. But it does make me sad that alcohol is such a huge deal when it comes to getting a large group of friends together. If there is a choice between getting drunk with strangers at a random party or having fun with friends whilst hanging out, more often than not alcohol is chosen over friends. Alcohol is eternally present in student life, and the quest for getting as drunk as possible as often as possible affects all aspects of a university experience even if one chooses not to drink.
It seems as though alcohol is becoming the glue that keeps friends together, because if alcohol isn’t present at a party or other type of social gathering, people are no longer interested in being there and leave in search for drinks. The underlying assumption is that friends are forever, but the availability of alcohol is limited and therefore has first priority. I understand that people enjoy drinking alcohol, but I hope that they enjoy hanging out with their friends more than becoming good acquaintances with the bottle, because one is obviously more important than the other…
- Dry campuses ban alcohol on the entire campus, regardless of a person’s age or an individual’s intent [↩]
- When a student is ill a call is placed to the transportation system at my university and the student is taken to hospital [↩]
- Legally speaking, alcohol is unattainable for minors, which makes it all the more appealing [↩]
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Hi, I'm Manda. I'm a college student studying communications and languages. I like to read, shop, bake, and travel. I have a tendency to listen to my favorite songs on repeat for hours on end. Sometimes I catch myself thinking in a language other than English. 
You’re right. It’s sad alcohol is at times more important than friendships. I love spending time with friends without drinking. However, some people think you can’t have fun without it… I believe it’s sad situation when you’re not accepted if you decide to not drink any alcohol (I have been in that situation at times)… I hoped other things were more important *sighs*.
I totally understand your decision, especially since I myself have no desire to drink alcohol. It makes me really sad how, even in high school, so many of my friends get together just for drinking :(
Oh god, I know what you mean. This was me a couple of years ago- and during high school, even worse. But I had one bad experience, and decided that was it, I wouldn’t drink that much ever again- now I reserve drinks for a birthday cocktail or champagne at weddings.
I don’t see my friends growing apart because of the lack of alcohol around, but I’ve seen it happen to other people and it is really sad, especially when I think drinking is just a phase and eventually, it’s really boring to wake up shit-faced and broke.
I agree with you to a large extent… except that currently in NZ, the drinking age is 18 (i’m only 3 months off) – it used to be 20, I think, and some politicians like our current prime minister want to raise it back up to 20 again. However, regardless of what the age is, minors will always be drinking. NZ has such a drinking culture that often parents will give their children/teenagers alcohol – in fact, it’s legal for minors to consume alcohol or enter pubs, etc if their parent or legal guardian is present. Personally I drink, but I don’t have that “its not fun unless there’s alcohol” attitude, or how some people think “there’s no point in drinking unless you get drunk” – I think that’s ridiculous, but thats how a lot of people are like around here.
Oh, I definitely agree with you that minors will always be drinking, regardless of the age limit. My point is that because the age limit in the US is higher than everywhere else, the “forbidden fruit” aspect runs into university life rather than just high school life.
Amen! I agree with this 100%. You might already know how much I’m against alcohol. I practically hate it, while my brother and his friends love it. I don’t go to parties often, and the main reason for this is that I would be the black sheep if I wouldn’t drink a sip of anything that has something to do with alcohol.
Funny thing is, that on Saturday, while waiting in the line, my brother went away for some drinks, because *cough* alcohol MUST be involved with anything, right? Partying? Sure. Skating? Why not. What the F?!
Alcohol is overrated. And being cool for drinking it is the most unmature thing I’ve ever seen.
There’s a reason they call alcohol a social lubricant–not only does it taste good, but it lowers your inhibitions and allows you to get out there and be yourself in front of people. A lot of people are normally shy. Personally, I’m no good at small talk. But when I have a drink in hand, and it’s coursing through my veins, it gives me the liquid courage to be more myself and say things that I wouldn’t normally say!
This is one of the many reasons why college kids drink; they love to be social to begin with, and drinking only aids that. Sure, there are people who overdo it, but I think most people know their limits and stay within them.
I think as you grow older you discover those limits, but only through trial and error. I wouldn’t worry so much about drinking, though. Despite what they say, it’s a lot more fun when you’re old enough to get into the bars without worrying that you’ll be turned away at the door (and it’s infinitely more embarrassing when you DO get turned away at the door!)
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