<p>I know this has been discussed before, but how much of the social life surrounds drugs/drinking/frats? I don't want to do drugs or be with people who are on them a lot. A bit of drinking is fine (I don't really drink yet- but I don't mind being around people who do and will probably drink a bit in college- but not that much). Further, how strict are the alcohol laws for underage consumption and how hard do the police go to enforce it. I don't mind joining a frat either (as long as they all aren't binge drinkers/druggies) but how tough is it to rush (I've heard disgusting hell week stories- is it really as bad as it's made out to be? Any stories to share?). Lastly, my birthday is at the end of Aug- so if I go to Duke I'd only be 17 for the first week. Will I miss out on making friends because I won't be able to go out to Shooters and all? I'm not a nerd or pre-med or an engineer and I like have a good time- but I'm not a big alcholic beer pong player- so will there be a good opportunity to make similar friends?</p>
<p>Thanks so much! Anything that you can say will help a lot!</p>
<p>You’ll be more than fine. There are plenty of people like you. Duke doesn’t really have a big drug culture at all - it’s mostly focused on alcohol but I knew people who didn’t drink at all and still made plenty of friends. Even those that joined fraternities. And Shooters doesn’t care if you’re 17 or 18 - you just say you’re under 21 and then they don’t ask for ID and just mark your hand so you can’t order alcohol. And rush/hell week varies greatly depending on the fraternity. Some basically just have a good time and party while others may require more time consuming/questionable stuff, but you can assess that when the time comes.</p>
<p>Don’t overly stress out. Duke has some highly confident and social students but many students were extremely buttoned down in high school and you will not be the first non drinker to arrive as a freshman. Many of my son’s friends were health nuts and physically fit and worked out a lot. All of my son’s friends were extremely focused students. Some have to study a lot to make good grades, some are so gifted they can take a lot of time for their social lives. College is really about getting to know and accept yourself. The most important thing my son brought to Duke was the ability to admire others while not freaking out that he was not as gifted academically or athletically or for that matter socially.<br>
Mental health in life and in college is about having a high opinion of yourself and a high opinion of others. Anywhere you go, strike that balance and you will make it past the awkward beginnings to finding your own friends and mentors. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks! How was move in day?</p>