I’m interested in BC (have already applied), but I’ve read that drinking at BC dominates the social scene (apparently way more than the typical school). I consider myself very social, but I am not interested in drinking at all. Because of this, I’m worried that BC may not be a good fit for me. If I disregard the drinking, though, BC would probably be at the top of my list.
Questions I have:
Re parties:
Will I feel pressured or left out if I don’t drink? Does everyone usually drink at parties? Should I just not go to them?
Re clubs:
Will I be able to be voted into leadership positions in clubs if I don’t go to parties/drink (considering elections are probably about who you know to some degree)? How does it work at BC?
Re other:
Will I be able to (easily) make friends if I don’t?
Are there any other weekend options besides partying (other than going into Boston)? Are they occasional options or will there for sure be something non alcholic every weekend?
About how many people (or what percentage) are known not to drink at BC?
I’m also considering Notre Dame (very unlikely that I’ll get in), Villanova, Fairfield, and Saint Michael’s. Do you think it’s worth choosing these other schools over BC (if I get into BC and those) because with BC I would risk not enjoying my time there? If so, which schools would you recommend?
Sorry for all the questions! I’m overwhelmed and trying to decide if I should switch from RD to ED2. Thanks!
As you continue to mature you will be in situations where people drink. Become confident in the fact that you don’t. Have you considered that you can hold a cup with ice water and be social at a party where people are drinking?
My son is at another college but when he pledged one classmate in his pledge class didn’t drink. He stated it matter of factly and that was that. He didn’t drink then and doesn’t drink now but enjoys being a brother in the fraternity and socializing in everything that they do.
On today’s college campuses there are many options for socializing. Be yourself. Find your way wherever you go.
It is a large enough school that you will find your tribe. That may mean attending parties and drinking non-alcoholic beverages, or finding a crew that comes up with other things to do.
Norte Dame and Fairfield are also considered party schools (don’t personally know much about the other two) so I don’t think I would base my decision on that… As others have mentioned, you can find people who don’t drink at any school. My best friend’s son is a freshman at BC. He never drank in HS but now does. Said he didn’t feel pressured but he is just enjoying the social scene there.
Do not let your apprehension about parties deter you from a school you would otherwise like to attend. My son never drank in high school. I honestly don’t think he even attended a party sadly. Now, in college, he’s the person getting his friends into parties. He drinks, but very sparingly, just enough to appear “social.” He’s very intent on situational awareness and finds overconsumption counterproductive. He’s also a fitness nut that weighs his food and doesn’t want too many empty calories from alcohol. I believe the reason he knows as many people as he does and gains such easy access to parties is partially due to his reputation as a person who is always in control. People know that he’ll deal with friends that get out of control himself. Luckily most of his friends don’t drink to excess.
@ kapow 24. Hang out with me and my friends and you’ll be fine- Just learn to hold a bear bottle with confidence and authority and you will not miss out on the best parties…Kidding. Seriously, for every inebriated student leaning over a trashcan, there are 2-3 observing such behavior and shaking their heads in disapproval and disbelief… Fun is definitely here if you want it but so is sobriety and a dry group of classmates to hang with. Not a factor to be concerned with. ps…signup for the board game club and wear a name tag so I’ll know who you are. Good luck.
Please know that you are great just the way you are. Be confident in yourself. You can socialize with those who drink and those who don’t. It won’t be a big deal unless you make it one. If anyone ever pressure you just say, “naa…not my thing” and walk away or change the subject. You’re great just the way you are.
I hope you get in! But wherever you go, you’ll do just fine. Relax and enjoy that your applications are in.
Having 2 daughters at BC who are active in extracurricular activities, clubs and leadership I can assure you that drinking is not part of their culture. Both their friend groups are not drinkers. Do they have an occasional dorm party with alcohol yes. But that is the exception not the rule.
The academic clubs are run by very mature young men and woman that select leaders based on ability and commitment.
All schools will have students that drink. It’s what everybody talks about the next day. It makes for more interesting talk at lunch.
Sophomore daughter had friends who were seniors in room who were drinking. Not a party but a loud group. Got written up. The whole group. Letters home and meeting with residential dean. She wasn’t drinking or it could have been worse.
Not sure where you heard this but if anything, not a lot of drinking in freshman and sophomore dorms.
Plenty of outlets but you have to do find the party and have it be what your looking for.
But of course there’s drinking, it’s a college campus and it’s everywhere.
Lots of sports on campus. Lots of events.
And you can go to a party yourself and not drink. Or drink a tiny bit or whatever.
No Greek life cuts this down a bit too.
But it is no better or worse than anywhere else. Generally the concern is usually is it a bit too un-fun.
At the parent orientation last year, someone from BC Health Services quoted a student survey saying that 25% of BC Students don’t drink alcohol. This was not written down anywhere.
