Drugs and alcohol on campus, can it be avoided?

<p>It's college, so I know drugs and alcohol will be a part of it, but I'm wondering how prevalent it is, and to what extent it affect dorm life and the social life there. We recently visited and my D liked the school, but then spent some time with someone she knew from HS in who is now attending USF. The friend isn't a big party person, but seemed to be pointing out nearly every dorm in the hall, and saying "He's a drug dealer. She's a drug dealer...." and talked about people coming in drunk late at night. She also talked about thin walls and being able to hear 'too much' of what went on in the other dorms. </p>

<p>I know there will be a mix of students in college, but this really colored my D's view of USF, now she's imagining it being filled with drug dealers and drunks. She had thought she could be happy there, but now is having doubts. Is the drug/alcohol culture an intrusive part of life in the dorms, a nightly thing, or more on the weekends, or more in some dorms than others? </p>

<p>Am I right in thinking that USF has no more of that than any other school, and that she can find 'her people' who would rather be in clubs and sponsored events than party?</p>

<p>Would choosing a specific dorm/LLC be helpful? (She loves the apt style, of course.)</p>

<p>UCF is in consideration also...I imagine them being very similar when it comes to these issues. Any know?</p>

<p>My DD is an upcoming 2nd semester freshman. USF is a school with over 30,000 students. You cannot avoid drugs and alcohol but she can pick LLC dorm style that may shield her from some of the partying. Like every college and university, it’s a place for 18 and 19 years old to be out of the house and she just have to choose her friends wisely. USF is not known for partying like other big colleges. I know I graduated from WVU. Her friend may be in Sorority or Fraternity. I hope that helps. Good Luck</p>

<p>s mom you are right thinking that USF has no more drugs than any other school, and that she can find ‘her people’ who would rather be in clubs and sponsored events than party. I lived in USF dorms 2 years and in private off campus apts. junior and senior years…drugs weren’t part of the scene except for a small handful of students…I think I saw more usage of drugs by others back during my high school days.</p>

<p>Thank you @wvacupuncture, and @lizard. I think I just wanted reassurances…and to be able to pass those along to her…honestly, that while that will be part of college life, it doesn’t have to affect her directly and that other choices are out there…and many people who, like her, aren’t interested in that scene. @wvacupuncture, Is your DD in one of the LLCs? My D seemed interested in the Global one, and perhaps honors, but heard that the Global LLC ended up being mostly people who just wanted the apartment style dorms, and weren’t really interested in the theme. She, too, likes the idea of the apartments…to have her own space to retreat to when she wants some down time.</p>

<p>My daughter is in the one of the LLC and is taking advantage of that opportunity. There are many clubs and organizations to join that she should reach out and see which one has her people. Go Bulls</p>