<p>I personally refuse to have sex, drink, or use drugs or anything illegal or dangerous for that matter, so I am rather weary of the idea of living on a campus where these things, especially drinking and drugs might be rampant. It's not that I'm sheltered or anything- rather the opposite, but I hold myself to a very high standard and come from a group of friends that do likewise. As well, I've for programs lived on college campuses before and found the experience horrendous, conditions-wise, though perhaps I stayed at bad campuses. </p>
<p>Recently I've been contemplating the idea of perhaps living off-campus from the get-go in an apartment and commuting. I'm sure the food and conditions will be superior, but I know this would put me at a disadvantage socially. However, if I'm going to live on campus and not really get involved in the less savory sense, wouldn't that also put me at some sort of disadvantage anyway? My plan would be to live close anyway, in case my presence is required of extra-curriculars. This idea is really attracting me, but then again, I'm just speculating and likely stereotyping college life.</p>
<p>I think avoiding these things is the biggest mistake you can make. Even if you have friends who have sex, drink, use drugs etc, that doesn’t mean you have to. Most people will offer you a drink or something but you can say no can’t you? The whole point of college is to improve your social skills and learn how to deal with people who are different from you. If you avoid these things, it will only set you back in the future. And if anything, living on campus ie in dorms is probably a better idea because they also don’t allow illegal stuff.</p>
<p>if you stop judging people and surround yourself with a diverse group, you’ll definitely find college more enjoyable. i have plenty of friends who don’t drink and they certainly aren’t snobs about their “personal high standards.” also, i’d never pressure anyone to do things they aren’t comfortable with. don’t start school with preconceived notions about people you’ve never met–they might surprise you.</p>
<p>You’re watching too many movies there junior. Drugs and alcohol in dorms can get you into serious trouble, hence people do them in private away from pussies like you who will nark on their stash.</p>
<p>Don’t worry about it, you’ll have a better time in a dorm</p>
<p>Hey man, I am very similair to yourself. I live on campus and to my suprise I found a few guys in the forms over my 3 years, that have my same mentality. Most of them are Pre-meds and Law. We do our own thing and everybody else does there.</p>
<p>I think living of campus, is a mistake. Just say no to whay you are uncomfortable with. People will learn quickly and in the beginning of the year when people are tempting you, they will stop.</p>
<p>You need to learn to be tolerant of other people’s choices. Don’t live off campus. It will be much harder to find, make, and keep friends. I came into college steadfastly against drugs and drinking. I got over that <em>really</em> quickly, but that doesn’t me that I drink and do drugs–I don’t. I just don’t have a hissy fit when my friends do.</p>
<p>As already said, living off campus will limit your friends… on campus its much easier to make new friends. Plus, atleast at my school there were very rarely “parties” on campus. All the people in dorms went to off campus apartments/dorms to party.</p>
<p>If you believe you’ll participate in those activities from simply being around them, then perhaps you should question your ability to be so easily swayed by outside forces.</p>
<p>what year are you? if you’re freshman, it’s better to live in dorm to socialize with people and find your own clique. Once you have your own circle of friends, it’s nicer to move out to some off campus apt. Off campus is usually less noisier, has better amenities/room/parking/etc and better food. Also you can cook for yourself and can hold small dinner with close friends etc. Don’t worry too much about those saying “you won’t socialize if you live off campus” you will. At least you will meet new people in your dept, you can hang out with people in your study group, etc. </p>
<p>Go for substance-free housing (if your school offers it). Not only will you be shielded from the unthinkable evils of drinking and partying but you’ll also meet other like-minded people.</p>
<p>Also, do something about the stick up your ass.</p>
<p>Take your social preferences into account when you do your college search. There are schools where you’ll be fine living in the dorms…you’ll have sub-free options and little trouble finding like-minded people. </p>
<p>Some of it comes down to you, and not your environment. It’s fine to hold yourself to high standards and to surround yourself with like-minded people, but are you able to be friendly with others? I’m not talking about being best friends with out-of-control party-goers, but about being friendly with and respectful of the nice, intelligent, giving person who isn’t a virgin, or who goes out a few times each semester. You don’t have to endorse their lifestyles, but if you can’t live peacefully around them–provided they’re not shoving anything in your face (and you’re not shoving it in theirs)–off-campus is probably a better place to be. If you’re happy keeping the bar high for yourself but being friendly to most people, you’ll be fine as long as you find a school that allows you some sub-free living/entertainment options. They definitely do exist.</p>
<p>I’m generally of the opinion that it’s better to start on-campus, risk disliking it, and then move off than to start off-campus and risk missing out on something you really could’ve enjoyed. My sister started off-campus (in part because the dorms at her school really do have a significant drug scene that she wasn’t comfortable with), but while she loves her apartment, it has been very isolating. She knew going in that she wouldn’t be able to stand the dorms, but she chose the school for other reasons.</p>
<p>I think you’ll meet more likeminded folks living on campus. The only downside is if you get a roommate like I did one time who kept bringing guys into the room for activity I did not want to watch. You could either look for a likeminded roommate - or in some schools, request a single the first year until you can meet some compatible friends.</p>
<p>My dh and I were both non-partiers and we made tons of friends and had a blast in college. Look for folks who share your outlook in Bible study groups, student government, political clubs and academic clubs. You’ll have a great time.</p>
<p>Ignore those who are attacking you because you aren’t like them. And they think you are intolerant :-)</p>
<p>Some universities have off-campus housing that is as close as on-campus housing so this might be an option. The irony is that many of these apartments are used by students to party where they don’t have to observe dorm rules.</p>
<p>If your university has this kind of housing nearby, then you might be able to get a bunch of like-minded students together to rent the place and you’ll have your socialization with these folks and anyone else that you invite over.</p>