Drinking Culture

Colleges and Universities A-Z Dartmouth College
1

<p>Dartmouth is an undeniably great school. </p>

<p>Back in the Paleozoic period when I attended college, Dartmouth students were the first to admit that their college wasn’t an ideal social fit for students uncomfortable with drinking. </p>

<p>Is it still that way? Would a student disinclined to attend parties with heavy drinking feel like a proverbial fish out of water? Is there a thriving social scene for non-drinkers at Dartmouth? </p>

<p>Or does social acceptance depend on non-drinkers adapting a non judgmental attitude about drinking?</p>

<p>Thanks. I look forward to reading your candid input.</p>

2

<p>The association with drinking still exists, it was one of the reasons I chose not to apply to Dartmouth.</p>

3

<p>Eh, it’s not that simple…there really is low pressure to drink, though social life does revolve around the frats (if that makes sense).</p>

4

<p>So happyman, you chose to apply instead to that bastion of sobriety, Duke? :D</p>

5

<p>Dcu, </p>

<p>I do understand your point. Is it fair to also say that non-drinkers are welcome at frat parties so long as they are tolerant of those who drink? </p>

<p>Thanks: I appreciate the input.</p>

6

<p>Non drinkers are welcome at parties, as long as they are tolerant. And even within the Greek system, I have friends who are non drinkers (in both sororities and fraternities). They’re still social, they don’t judge anyone else for their choices, they just choose not to drink. Certainly Dartmouth has a much larger percentage of Greek students than many schools, but I don’t think that means there is more alcohol consumption. I think being tolerant of its presence is the key for a non drinker to feel comfortable.</p>

7

<p>I certainly do not feel that non-drinkers have trouble with social acceptance. Many of my friends do not drink, and we still participate in social activities and go to the fraternities. The Greek system is very good about letting people abstain from drinking - you are also able to pledge “dry” in some houses, so you wouldn’t even have to drink to be a member.</p>

8

<p>Here’s a link to a NYT article from 5/09. Yes, this same article could have been written at many, maybe most colleges:</p>

<p>[Sober</a> in the Animal House - NYTimes.com](<a href=“http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/15/sober-in-the-animal-house/]Sober”>Sober in the Animal House - The New York Times)</p>