Ohio University’s a party campus. Even Playboy says so. To prove it, all you need to do is open a window. Those late night screams are tomorrow’s early morning hangovers.
But you don’t need to drink to have fun at college, even if you go to OU. And no, sobriety doesn’t mean you can never ever leave your Athens Ohio apartment. I assure you there are plenty of ways to have fun in Athens and not regret where you wake up in the morning.
In fact, it might take a little more effort, but being sober can actually be a blast because you will actually have the mindset to enjoy your time at college. Maintaining most of your brain cells are an bonus.
“I am living proof that going to a party and not drinking can be a great exercise in getting yourself out there without depending on alcohol,” Seventeen Entertainment Editor Noelle Devoe relates in an article about her sober years in college. “It really forced me to get out of my head and start having fun, and I was able to bring that outgoing mindset out of the party setting and into the real world.”
Pack Your Own Beverages at Parties
You don’t need to avoid the party scene like a nun. Simply bring your own, non-alcoholic of course! IBC Root Beer tastes a lot better than the Natty but you still look the part. Nonalcoholic ginger beer is equally amazing. There are plenty of organic teas, sodas, and juices on the market that taste great. You can still drink without missing out. (Some advice: Still keep an eye on your beverage and ask your friends to do the same. Some people can be sick bastards, especially on a college campus).
Be Chill
Not drinking doesn’t have to be a big deal. People may ask, but usually it’s just an icebreaker to make party conversation. You could always say you hate the taste of your own vomit. If you’ve had a problem with alcohol in the past, you can turn it into a joke: “I’m allergic to alcohol. Every time I drink it, I have to break out of jail.”
Exit B.S. (Before Stupidity)
Even those who like to drink will tell you there is a time of night where the silly just gets swilly, which is a nicer word for stupid. Parties may start chill with interesting conversation. But things can get idiotic fast. That is the time to quietly exit, go back to your Ohio University student rental and binge watch Netflix. You don’t even have to worry about saying goodbye. Everyone will be too drunk to really notice.