<p>Hello everyone!</p>
<p>I'm off to college this fall, from a much, much smaller boarding school campus. My campus is similar to college in terms of responsibilities, but very different in two crucial aspects - it's small, and there's no drinking. So, I'm very involved in the student body, I have my close-knit group of friends who I hang out with, I run a really awesome Writing Club, etc. I love being able to be involved in so much stuff - and I'm afraid that I'm going to lose that during college.</p>
<p>I'm a religious Muslim, which means that I don't drink - not even being present where drinking is occurring. I also don't date. This is NEVER a problem for me - but now, I'm a bit worried about how to find my niche on the college scene.</p>
<p>What can a conservative person do to enjoy themselves and get involved on a college campus? It would be great to get a LIST of activities and fun things to do!</p>
<p>Do whatever you did before. Nothing will change. I don’t drink nor am I in the “hook up” scene either. I have a good about of friends and enjoy my social life. Do what you like to do, and I promise you there will be others out there just like you and will join you. </p>
<p>i also am a muslim starting a 4 year college in the fall. I think you will find your niche because there are actually many people in colleges who do not drink and have great parties and things to do that do not involve drinking.</p>
<p>Most of the students at my DD’s college who don’t drink are usually involved in volunteering.</p>
<p>Not muslim, but I’m a conservative Christian who doesn’t drink. Mostly hasn’t been a problem for me.</p>
<p>I got involved with church groups. I’d suggest you do the same. From there, you get a starting point of meeting people who share core beliefs, but who also have a wide variety of interests. (Actually, that’s one of the neat things about religious organizations! You have people from all walks of life who are interested in completely different things, but you’re all bonded by your faith. It’s really beautiful.)</p>
<p>From there, you can meet people who already have friends or who are making new friends and meet their friends. Etc.</p>
<p>I also got involved in clubs of things I was interested in (like French and Theatre… my two majors).</p>
<p>But let’s see… What do I do a lot of?
Coffee nights. Raquetball. Beach volleyball. Movies (at the theater or at someone’s house). Game nights. Picnics. Eating out. Getting Krispy Kreme. (France, why don’t you have Krispy Kreme!?) Random culture events (Ballets, concerts, etc.)</p>
<p>And the list goes on and on and on… Really, it shouldn’t be a problem. And if it is, you shouldn’t be friends with that person. People should respect you as a person and your choices. Remember, you choosing to be Muslim and to not drink does not negatively impact another person in any way. If someone feels threatened by that, then that’s their fault.</p>
<p>(Also. Is it against your beliefs to be around those who are drinking? If not, then you can still go to parties and not drink. I’ve done it a bunch. It helps to hold a drink in your hand (even if it’s just juice) or just politely say no.)</p>
<p>You will DO JUST FINE.
Drinking in college is almost a right of passage for freshman, and some learn the hard-way, after a bad night out, anyway, that will not be your case, so no worries there.
Why I brought that up is that, there are some VERY responsible drinkers on college campuses, they know just when they have had enough and with their assigned driver, they head back to the dorms.
So, make friends with people that share your interest, but also be respectful of those who do not. Its okay to have a respectable healthy debate on your preferences and most times you will agree to disagree, but that helps breed strong friendship as-well, even with NOT-SO-COMMON interest.
Social events are endless on campus as long as you are willing to seek them and in some cases you might have to start some that you would like to see its presence on your campus.
Movie nights, student stage shows, social discussion forums, clubs and other campus organizations are great ways to occupy yourself when your friends are out drinking…
If you feel you want to spice your events up… there is always “SPARKLING JUICE”… yep that’s right…its just as fancy as some expensive wine…just cheaper, safer and alert while having FUN.
BEST OF LUCK…</p>