<p>So this is pretty much an open question to anyone with insight into the topic... I'd definitely love to hear the thoughts of current U of M students, though! I'm entering UM as a freshman in the fall, and I know that there will be lots of parties/drinking/etc. on campus, as is to be expected in college. However, I don't drink or smoke, and I'm kind of freaking out about the fact that I'll be in the minority next year. How tough will it be to make friends with similar outlooks or find ways to have fun without alcohol? I'm sure my worries are unnecessary, but they're worries nonetheless, and I'd love some input. Thanks in advance. :)</p>
<p>I can honestly tell you that I don’t know anyone who doesn’t drink, or at least I don’t know them well enough/hang out with them enough to realize they don’t drink. However, I do know some people who used to not drink, until as late as their sophomore year, but they eventually started to later on in college. That said, these kids who used to not drink definitely made friends, some of whom also used to not drink and some of whom always had drank. It’s even quite possible to get bids at fraternities and not be a drinker (yet).</p>
<p>I’m not in college yet but it’s good you don’t do any of that. There are thousands of students, you should be just fine. People aren’t going to dismiss you because you aren’t into all that.</p>
<p>Michigan is notorious for being able to party hard and to study hard.As a college freshman who doesn’t drink or party I can tell you it could be hard at the beginning, especially welcome week where there are insanely loud parties. But as the year goes on you will notice that you will find more people like you in classes and clubs. Most dorms have the partying type within them even honors housing( though it is rather ironic). Make sure you select your friends wisely, make the right decision and find a suitable recreation source. If you have committed to Michigan, you will have made a good choice coming here. But be warned of the crazy types in your dorms not in class.</p>
<p>Sudar, I’m not sure it’s ironic that the honors kids drink. A lot.</p>
<p>I didn’t drink in college…and still don’t drink until this day. Many of my friends also did not drink. Michigan has a relatively mild drinking/partying scene. Students who love to party and drink will certainly be able to quench their thirst…but students who prefer a more laid back social scene will easily fit in.</p>
<p>Substance-free housing is also available if you’d like to increase the chance that your neighbors are not partying while you’re studying 
And truly, the population is large enough that you can find any social group you desire – but you do have to go looking. Plus, there is ALWAYS something to do that doesn’t involve drinking – depending on your interests.</p>
<p>Ughhh I feel like I’m going to be one of those people that giants mentioned because of the networking business students have to do…</p>
<p>Uh oh. I hope there are some cool people out there that don’t party all the time…</p>
<p>You will have no problem with the sober social scene here. I find it hard to believe anyone here seriously doesn’t know anyone that doesn’t drink. They must not have very expanded horizons, and maybe those aren’t the people you want to befriend anyway. There are LOTS of other things to do on campus besides party. And even if your friends do drink, you only have to find the ones that still have enough brain cells left to be entertained by other things. It doesn’t have to be a black and white issue.</p>
<p>The only thing you may encounter is that I would argue the freshmen are the sloppiest class. They seem to party the hardest in some sort of overreaction to their newfound freedom. If you find in your first year that you are having trouble relating to your classmates, try and bond with the older ones and don’t worry that you’ll never fit in. There is just sort of a freshman craze that sets in, and even by winter semester I think people start chilling out. You shouldn’t have any problem meeting older people if this does become an issue for you.</p>
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<p>There very well may be acquaintances of mine that do not drink, I just don’t know which ones they are because I do not hang out with them enough. I guess it comes with being in a fraternity and having a friend/acquaintance circle that is largely Greek. Keep in mind, drinking can mean only casual drinking – not the drink to get drunk image most people think of when they imagine drinking.</p>
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<p>Fact.</p>