<p>How much does the social life expand beyond drinking/partying? If you never had any alcohol at Duke, how much would your social life be hindered? Give examples of the stuff you do or your friends do.</p>
<p>I've heard of a defined split at Duke in which your social life either revolves around video games or around frat parties. Is this true?</p>
<p>duke is great</p>
<p>dogs are great</p>
<p>You can still go out as not drink.</p>
<p>~ just hold a glass with something else in it. And be fun. And sociable.</p>
<p>It’s really not a big deal-- I’m a freshman and didn’t really go out that often first semester, but I had lots of fun with my friends with stuff like movie marathons/baking cookies/going out to eat in Durham. There’s also on-campus programming (there’s something called Devils After Dark that hosts events on weekend nights as an alternative to going out), and I haven’t really taken advantage of it but I know others do. As far as going out but deciding not to drink, literally no one cares. Just hold a cup with water or soda or something, and no one will be the wiser (plus being sober at parties can make for some really hilarious peoplewatching).</p>
<p>What it really comes down to is just finding your friend group, I think-- there are all sorts of people here, and you’ll find the ones you like and want to spend most of your time with. I know people who spend their weekend nights playing Settlers of Catan in their common room and others who go out 5 nights a week, and both groups are totally happy. But this doesn’t mean that there’s necessarily a split like the original poster described, because there are SO many people in between-- people who don’t party but explore Durham and have fun with friends, people who only go out occasionally, etc. You’ll find a group, you’ll have fun with them, and no one will judge you for it.</p>