So, I will preface this by saying that I have never been a “party-girl” nor do I want to become one in college, but I would like to have the college experience of going to a few parties. Anyway, I am a senior in high school right now, and I’ve been thinking a lot about what college will be like next year. As of right now, I am kind of seen as a very academically-oriented, conservative girl. I don’t think many people realize how much of a fun-loving side I have. I want to break out of this mold in college and experience the party atmosphere a bit. However, my concern deals with the relationship between popularity and partying. I know I’m not going to be the most popular girl at my college, but will that prevent me from partying? I’m just really curious about this, and any insight would be greatly appreciated!
Depending on what kind of school you’re going to…there might not even BE a concept of popularity. I go to Penn State. There are 40,000 undergrads. There is no way to be popular when you won’t ever meet the majority of those people. It’s not a thing.
You’ll find your friends and be popular among them.
As a someone who briefly attended a liberal arts college (looks like you will as well), trust me when I say you’ll have very very few issues finding a party or at least some friends that you can hang out and drink with.
Alright. Coincidentally, bodangles, I live 45 minutes away from PSU! Many of my friends are going there, although I am opting for a smaller, liberal arts college in my hometown.
I think the idea of “popularity” as is considered in high school is less relevant than college. People tend to find their niche. However, one had to make the effort to meet people thought common interests like clubs and other organizations.
I’m a parent, but not naive about partying on campus. I am sure most students go to at least one. However, one possibility is that you might not like them. I didn’t. I was like you- a bit more studious, and I had friends at college without going to parties. I prefered to get together in small groups, talk, watch a movie, go to dinner. I went to some parties, and I was miserable in them. They were loud, crowded. It just wasn’t for me, but I did find other ways to do things with friends.
I also didn’t want to risk my grades. Many students overdo partying. They are away from home for the first time. They may not know how much they need to study, and parties can be distracting.
So, if partying isn’t for you, there are other ways to meet people at college. I say this to you because I felt some pressure to like the parties. It seemed other people did, but I just couldn’t like them. Don’t feel that you have to be someone you are not to find friends at college. Be yourself.
This x100.
Work hard, play hard. Find what you like.
I was supposed to come up a few weeks ago and chill w/ a friend in Schreyer over there. Couldn’t make it, but from stories/snap stories you guys know how to have fun.
Woot woot, Scholars represent! Partying isn’t really my scene, but my roommate is into it, and she’s busy every weekend and sometimes during the week. There’s definitely plenty to do around here whether you do or don’t party.
You might have dodged a bullet, actually, depending on whether your visit was scheduled during the “Mother Nature loves us” couple of weeks or the more recent “Feel my wrath, you fools” weather. 
That’s chill! My friend there doesn’t party too much, but goes out on the weekends and sometimes during the week. She just finished pledging a professional fraternity though, so she’s been occupied with that recently!
We’re getting the same stuff down here at UMD! This week’s looking up though 
It happens at every college regardless of size. Have fun, but not too much fun.