<p>I really can't drink for medical reasons. I'm I going to be isolated at Cornell? Should I go to Michigan instead? At michigan, frats don't dominate the social scene at all the way they do at Cornell. Will Michigan be a better fit if I can't drink?</p>
<p>Hey. I don't drink... because I choose not to. Because I am a very active person, and drinking just doesn't fit with my lifestyle, except on few occasions, in limited quantity.
I can't tell you about the frat scene, or about Michigan, since I'll be an international freshman this year, but... Come on - do you really think you need to drink in order to be part of something?
If people are cool, they won't care about you drinking, or not. And if they aren't... will you really wanna be with them?
I don't think you'll be isolated. Of course, as I've said, I don't have that much "internal information", so... let's see what the others will tell you ;)</p>
<p>I think there is a skewed view of how much frats dominate the scene from this forum. They don't. The Greek system is 1/3 of the student population, but that includes the non-traditional kinds like the business frat or the chem frat or the service frat. </p>
<p>Anyways, of the people I know, about half have never touched alcohol since coming to college. The rest drink very sparingly, and very few do the animal house drinking thing. Of course, this reflects my own preference in drinking. So basically if you want to drink, you will find alcohol very easily. You decide where you stand on this, and there really isn't pressure to do one or the other.</p>
<p>I'm not planning on drinking once I get there, maybe except for on special occasions. I'm a little afraid of not fitting in, too, but Cornell's got to be diverse enough to include a good number of kids like me, as well as heavy drinkers and everyone in between.</p>
<p>yea it's not a big deal at all. just don't be like "bah i don't drink you who are having a drink are (expletive)" just say nah i don't want a drink. it's not a big deal at all...it's really a non-issue unless the person in question makes it an issue.</p>
<p>my friend gave up drinking for lent and she was fine</p>
<p>i wouldn't choose a college based on party/drinking scene. if its not your thing ... then there's nothing to worry about.</p>
<p>drinking at frats is not really a common thing...most people will "pre-game" in the dorm before heading out </p>
<p>depending on who you room with the frat life will dominate...in my suite 4/7 guys are in frats...the people who arent into frat life stick to clubs and campus events or are loners...</p>
<p>i wouldnt discourage you from drinking...just take the AlcoholEDU and you'll know what your limits are...2 beers at the frat wont kill you...</p>
<p>it also won't get you drunk and i personally don't drink keystone light for the taste.</p>
<p>yeah keystone light sucks balls...</p>
<p>"stick to clubs"</p>
<p>Are there clubs in Ithaca?</p>
<p>If you are a partier, you will drink anywhere you go...otherwise you can always stay sober. Most of my friends spend sat. night going ot activities (concerts, events) or just watching a movie. You can always not drink. But if you want to go out and party, it will always be an option for you. I assume Michigan will be very smilar if not the same</p>
<p>by clubs i meant STUDENT ACTIVITY/EXTRACURRICULAR CLUBS...there are only a few bars..and the occasional rave here...</p>
<p>THERE IS NO SUBSTANTIAL NIGHT CLUB LIFE HERE...sucks for you from big cities</p>
<p>They always tell us that most Cornell students only drink in moderation. That is probably true. But if you choose not to drink at all there are definately things to get involved in and no one is stopping you from going to parties (although they would be kinda weird sober). Don't sweat it there are a ton of people at Cornell and you'll meet your group if you decide not to drink.</p>
<p>In my dorm, out of my hall of ~75 students, I'd estimate that 30 drink. The majority that don't always have a good time doing something else.
In short: MANY people don't drink; don't worry about it!</p>
<p>all of my friends already know that i dont drink, and i will most likely hang out with them, so im sure they wont be pressuring me. my sister goes to brandeis, where frats arent official, but she still goes to all of the parties. and all of her friends respect the fact that she doesnt drink...at all...ever. if the people you meet dont understand your personal needs or values, then you shouldnt associate with them.</p>
<p>"if the people you meet dont understand your personal needs or values, then you shouldnt associate with them."</p>
<p>-> Very well said.</p>