<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>I was accepted at and am considering attending the University of Maryland, College Park. I come from a very nerdy, academically rigorous public school in Cali, and have never in my life attended a typical highschool "party." Birthday parties, family friend parties, study parties, etc., yes, but none with the alcohol or drugs or sex, etc.</p>
<p>Anyway, I know UMD is considered a party school, but I was wondering if one can have just as much fun at parties without participating in drinking or doing drugs. I am very outgoing and I love club dancing (yes, I've never been to a "club"- I'm talking about the style, like in a crowded room with loud ass music and lots of grinding). I'm sorry- I may seem very naive about this topic since I've never experienced it before, but I absolutely look forward to attending many parties the first few weeks of school.</p>
<p>The only problem is: I don't want to do drugs (I am adamant about this) and drink (I mighhht change my mind, but no getting drunk forsure). I'm content with my cup of sprite ;) I'm okay doing anything else at crazy parties. Do you think this is possible? Would people even notice/care? Are there any good parties like that except without drugs (or even alcohol)? Is there a lot of peer pressure? I consider myself not easily influenced by peer pressure, but it might affect the mood/fun.</p>
<p>If there is anything related to this that you think I should consider, please tell me as well.</p>
<p>I appreciate any answer to any part of this thread! Thanks! :)</p>
<p>If you are responsible and don’t want to do drugs and alcohol then just don’t. At college parties there is always a chance of drugs and alcohol being there. If you see it going on and you would like to abstain just leave. It prevents the peer pressure, the temptation, and the chance of someone slipping you something you did not want. This happens at every college, I am not a student at UMD but I am applying for transfer, so in a sense it is unavoidable. And you can always have just as much if not more fun at parties without doing drugs and drinking. You are not the only one who will not be drinking and doing drugs. In fact, most college students are responsible young adults.</p>
<p>you are a big kid now. No one will tell you what to do or not to do. You can have fun without drugs or alcohol. You will find people with common interests, clubs, societies, sports, whatever your heart desires. The choices, good or bad, are for you to seize.
This girl in Columbia University, a star in the track field,full scholarship died of suspected OD a week ago. You need to realize that you are on your own. High School is behind, so be wise, focus in all that UMD can offer, and you’ll be fine. Parties are fun too, without the need to do drugs or alcohol. I never felt that to be popular or to have fun you needed substance. In fact, it is more fun without substance, since you’ll remember more. I had been offered drugs, chose not to.so it’s up to you and you alone. good luck.</p>
<p>I went to Penn State, with a similar party atmosphere. Believe me, 99% don’t care whether you’re drinking or doing drugs. They’re at a party, they want to have fun, and if you are talkative, want to dance, are enjoying yourself, AND not judging them, that’s all that counts.</p>
<p>I did my share of partying at college. But there were times I wanted to go out but knew I had to get up the next morning. Or I was not feeling that great. Or I just wasn’t in the mood. So I’d go out and do everything you do at a party … except drink. No problem.</p>
<p>Notice I said 99%. Because there is always the 1% who will go on about “why aren’t you drinking?” But they are a small minority. Roll your eyes and move on.</p>
<p>^^What they said. Both of my nerdy daughters fit in just fine with people they liked to be around, who had the same interests. Even if your dorm floor seems to be overwhelmingly full of partiers, keep your eyes open. Like-minded people are out there!</p>