<p>Hey all!
I really liked Union when I visited, but I heard a few things about it I didn't like too much when I came home. Can anyone speak for the social life at Union? It seemed to be overwhelmingly alcohol-driven, as in every weekend is getting drunk and hooking up. Don't get me wrong, I like partying... just not every weekend. Is this a hard thing to get by with at Union?</p>
<p>Bumppppppppppppppppp</p>
<p>There is definitely a party scene at Union but I don’t think it is much different than any other school. The thing that sets Union’s social scene apart is that there are a ton of other options for the weekend than just a party or hanging out at a fraternity (which are of course options if you want them). The Minervas add a lot to the social life at Union and host events ranging from discussions on current events to dance parties to movie nights to really anything you can think of. There’s also a ton of restaurants in town that are fun to go to before a movie or show downtown, or just to order from and hang out with friends in a dorm room or free Minerva tv room. Student Activities (and all of the clubs affiliated with the office) also puts on a lot of events on weekend nights and hosts concerts, free movies, and a ton of other activities. Finally, hockey games are a big draw and get a ton of students out of their rooms on weekend nights in the winter (and with such a good record last season I think the student section is going to be a bit more packed than normal this year!). So overall, if you want to head to a party one night go for it, but if not then you will have a ton of other options to choose from.</p>
<p>My daughter is not a party animal in the slightest - as a matter of fact she says she never took a drink at college until her 21st birthday, which I believe 100%. When she started at Union it took her a few months to find her friend base, but by Thanksgiving she had a good group of non-partying buddies to hang out with and was happy as a clam.</p>
<p>She’s a senior now, goes out every night from what I can see, still isn’t a big drinker and yet she is never at a loss for things to do, many times trying to juggle multiple fun options. And, btw, she has loved her years at Union and is quite bummed about leaving in the spring. So - yes Union has a drinking culture but it’s more than possible to have a great time without the alcohol.</p>