7 Ways to Enjoy College without Partying Hard

By Rachel Mareshah on September 16, 2019

Binge drinking is rampant among college campuses due to peer pressure, stress, social anxiety, boredom, and loneliness. What can be done?

1. Have a Work-Study Job/ Internship

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Why spend money on alcohol, illicit substances, and possible legal fees/fines when you can make money? Employment is an excellent way to pass time in college. The more closely related your job or internship is to your academic major, the better off you will be.

Furthermore, a work-study position or internship grants hands-on experience that is conducive to career development. It would look great on your resume! For those who are considering changing a major or do not know what major to be, a work-study job could clarify your niche.

My work-study positions included Quantitative Analysis [Chemistry] Laboratory Assistant, Organic Chemistry Professor’s assistant, Botany Lab Assistant, and campus fitness center monitor. My favorite topics discussed in each of my science classes were classification, experimentation, and analysis of Fruits and Vegetables. My favorite experiment involved Vitamin C Percentage within Orange Juice for my Quantitative Analysis course. This reinforced my niche of Nutrition and Wellness due to the Science and Fitness angles.

2. Join Athletic Groups

Take advantage of the amenities available for free at your college campus. I was in excellent shape during my freshman year of college, regardless of not being a student-athlete after high school. I ran on the indoor track, was a member of the campus Yoga Club, played Racquetball and Volleyball in the Recreation Center, threw a Football and Frisbee around with friends outside of the dorms, participated in intramural Flag Football and Tennis, lifted weights in the Fitness center, and taught/took Fitness Classes such as Zumba, Boot Camp, spinning, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Pilates, and Yoga.

There are other groups available such as Triathalon. Be a student-athlete if your heart desires! I was a student-athlete in High School and regret not being one in college. The more involved in school I was, the better my academic performance.

3. Connect with a Higher Power

No matter whether you worship a higher power in a church, chapel, synagogue, mosque, or temple, there are campus groups and individuals that share your belief system. Faith-based groups and activities are excellent means to meet new people and have fun without worrying over your safety, health, and freedom. Spiritual health, liberation, and protection are enhanced. I was a member of the Campus Crusade for Christ and participated in a Fruit of the Spirit presentation. I chose to write a speech on Self Control. We went out for half-priced appetizers for Applebee’s on Friday nights, played volleyball, had game nights, and had potluck dinners. It is a refreshing socialization to meet believers in college. Bible studies gave me the strength to press forward during times in college when I needed it most.

4. Join an Academic Club

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Academic clubs are an excellent means to meet like-minded peers, potential friends, and mentors. I encourage you to join a club that applies to your major. I was the treasurer of the campus Biology Club. We organized biology-related events such as a New York Aquarium trip. After our marine biology adventures, we went to Little Italy for a delightful Italian dinner. Other clubs I joined included Exercise Science Club. We wrote a pamphlet designed for students to help them with their fitness goals. My first unofficial job in middle school was for a health-conscientious teen magazine JUMP(R). This experience came in handy for my Exercise Science club responsibilities. I wrote about the importance of warming up and cooling down. Italian Club served delicious [and free!] gelato one night.

5. Join an Artistic Group

There are several means to express yourself creatively around campus. I love to write and therefore was a contributor to the campus magazine. I also performed open-mic poetry at a local theatre. You can also sing in the choir, join the marching band, speak on campus radio, dance, act, choreograph, stand up comedy, and the list goes on. If you are a theatre, dance, music, communications, art, English, journalism major, you never know who will be watching, listening, or reading your work before your big break! You can even go to shows for free as a student [which is another way to have fun at college without getting drunk or high]. I have seen campus production of my favorite play Hair, saw stand up comedian Charlie Murphy [RIP] and others from Chappelle’s Show on campus.

6. Have Straight Edged Parties

Parties can be fun without the unnecessary use of alcohol and drugs. Theme parties are fun to host and attend around campus. I have attended Super Bowl parties. Dress as a hippie for a 60s theme party, disco diva for a 70s theme party, pop-punk princess for an 80s theme party, or your favorite stars in the 90s. Have game nights, karaoke nights, and dorm slumber parties. These are some ideas. Be creative and have fun!

7. Sign up for Campus Discount Trips and Events

The last tip I have is to take advantage of discounts on trips and events. It was only about $10-$20 for various trips that would easily cost hundreds of dollars. For example, I have gone to Medieval Times through school with travel and food included. Read newsletters and explore your campus to see what events are occurring. There are various events and trips that your hefty tuition bill covers so enjoy and indulge!

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