Any non-drinkers?

poeticjustice

Hey,

Just wondering if there is anyone else going to UL that isn't really into the party scene? Most people seem pretty obsessed with getting drunk and going to clubs and parties and it'd be nice to know i'm not alone.

It's not a religious thing or anything. I'm just happy enough with a night at the cinema, or just having a laugh chatting with a group of friends. don't really know how to meet like minded people.

thanks

Pan Pan Pan

well, if you have failed to 'meet like minded people' maybe drink or partying isn't the problem....maybe the person looking back in the mirror is!!!!!

poeticjustice

Not saying drink or partying is a problem. just wondering if there are other people who aren't into it.

Relax

Daniel S

poeticjustice wrote: »

Not saying drink or partying is a problem. just wondering if there are other people who aren't into it.

Relax

Few and far between in UL I'd say. Drinkers often take a dislike to non-drinkers because they feel people who don't drink look down on them and act very superior. No one wants that on a night out.

You said you don't have a problem with people drinking, so I'd just keep it quiet and do your own thing when around them. Could you just have a non-alcoholic drink/s and go out?

Cossax

Daniel S wrote: »

poeticjustice wrote: »

Not saying drink or partying is a problem. just wondering if there are other people who aren't into it.

Relax

Few and far between in UL I'd say. Drinkers often take a dislike to non-drinkers because they feel people who don't drink look down on them and act very superior. No one wants that on a night out.

You said you don't have a problem with people drinking, so I'd just keep it quiet and do your own thing when around them. Could you just have a non-alcoholic drink/s and go out?

Being sober around drinkers isn't exactly fun, as I'm sure both non-drinkers and those who usually drink but end up on a night out and stay sober while everyone else drinks will testify to.

Daniel S

Cossax wrote: »

Being sober around drinkers isn't exactly fun, as I'm sure both non-drinkers and those who usually drink but end up on a night out and stay sober while everyone else drinks will testify to.

100% agree, but what else can she/he do to make friends around UL that don't drink? Only thing I can think of is join as many sport clubs as possible as they're the most likely to abstain from drinking for fitness reasons. Recruitment drive is next Wednesday in the arena in case someone didn't know.

Ave Sodalis

OP I don't drink. That doesn't mean you can't go out though and have fun that way. Yeah drunk people can be annoying sometimes but usually, you stop noticing them. I've actually found that those who dint like going out to clubs sober are usually those who are used to being drunk and think they need drink to have fun. I enjoy going out as much as any drinker.

Plus, no-one goes out every night. Monday and Wednesday night, we normally sit in, watch tv, play board games or whatever.

Ave Sodalis

OP I don't drink. That doesn't mean you can't go out though and have fun that way. Yeah drunk people can be annoying sometimes but usually, you stop noticing them. I've actually found that those who dint like going out to clubs sober are usually those who are used to being drunk and think they need drink to have fun. I enjoy going out as much as any drinker.

Plus, no-one goes out every night. Monday and Wednesday night, we normally sit in, watch tv, play board games or whatever.

Mossin

poeticjustice wrote: »

Hey,

Just wondering if there is anyone else going to UL that isn't really into the party scene? Most people seem pretty obsessed with getting drunk and going to clubs and parties and it'd be nice to know i'm not alone.

It's not a religious thing or anything. I'm just happy enough with a night at the cinema, or just having a laugh chatting with a group of friends. don't really know how to meet like minded people.

thanks

Hey don't worry about it.
One of my best friends through college was a non-drinker, and I drank like a tank, so it's not like non-drinkers and drinkers can't mingle together.
I never had a problem going out and having a non-drinker in the group.
Also, we would go play soccer, watch soccer on tv, go to the movies and do table quizzes from Clubs and Socs.
There is plenty to do to keep you away from the 'Partying Scene'.
There are more people like you in college, don't worry about that.
Most of all, just enjoy your time at UL!

shabouwcaw

I gave up drinking for a large chunk of my time in college, it wasnt a bad experience at all and you still meet lots of people.

My advice would be to join clubs and societies because they're the best way to meet all kind of "like minded people". It seems like you place a lot of stock in people not drinking as how you evaluate them, it might be better to just try and make as many friends as you can. True friends will understand your decision to not drink and your mutual interests will more than compensate for your lack of nights out. My best advice would be to just make an excuse or try organise something else on the nights your friends are heading clubbing or whatever, i did that a few times when i wasnt in the mood to be sober among drunken idiots. (my #1 rule was to avoid the lodge when I didnt drink).

But you'll find if you have friends that prefer a social drink in the pub or going to gigs, the cinema or plays etc, that it's very easy to be a non-drinker with them. I drank in Javas for my 4 years in college and it was always a very easy going place where i could get a coffee and read the paper while my friends got pints. I don't even know if the guys in there noticed when i gave up drinking. some of the best chats I've had were with people who were having a pint or two in there.

you'll be fine finding friends in college, while lots of people (even people in this thread) buy into Irish drinking culture to such an extent that they think you can't have a good time unless you're locked, I've found that that's really not true, I didn't have any of a worse time because of it (in fact a much better time) and I've also found that there are loads of people with a very responsible attitude to alcohol that you will have no problem getting to know.

poeticjustice

Cossax wrote: »

Being sober around drinkers isn't exactly fun, as I'm sure both non-drinkers and those who usually drink but end up on a night out and stay sober while everyone else drinks will testify to.

Cossax got it pretty spot on there! I've done it plenty of times but it can eventually wear a bit thin.

Cheers Daniel, already pre-registered to join loads of clubs. I know i'll make a load of friends, was just interested to see if there were others in the same boat and how they felt about it.

Sup-dude and Mossin, thanks guys. It'll be a good year

victoria.eliza

Another first year who seldom drinks here, for no other reason but I hate the taste of it and almost all the mixers are carbonated which my stomach doesn't agree with My advice? If you can find a way to go out and enjoy yourself without it definitely do it - I will be!

Not everyone drinks; don't feel that you have to just because the majority do. You'll just feel uncomfortable and miserable. If you're not the type that likes to go out, which is perfectly reasonable, maybe try and join as many clubs and societies as you can?

Outreach and volunteering programs are always daytime (so I've been told) and as far as I know they don't revolve around drinking so much. Look into it:)

Bottom line is: it's okay not to drink. But if you restrict yourself from going to places where people do drink, you really are limiting yourself. Try everying and see what happens - drink culture may not dominate all;)

Daniel S

shabouwcaw wrote: »

I gave up drinking for a large chunk of my time in college, it wasnt a bad experience at all and you still meet lots of people.

My advice would be to join clubs and societies because they're the best way to meet all kind of "like minded people". It seems like you place a lot of stock in people not drinking as how you evaluate them, it might be better to just try and make as many friends as you can. True friends will understand your decision to not drink and your mutual interests will more than compensate for your lack of nights out. My best advice would be to just make an excuse or try organise something else on the nights your friends are heading clubbing or whatever, i did that a few times when i wasnt in the mood to be sober among drunken idiots. (my #1 rule was to avoid the lodge when I didnt drink).

But you'll find if you have friends that prefer a social drink in the pub or going to gigs, the cinema or plays etc, that it's very easy to be a non-drinker with them. I drank in Javas for my 4 years in college and it was always a very easy going place where i could get a coffee and read the paper while my friends got pints. I don't even know if the guys in there noticed when i gave up drinking. some of the best chats I've had were with people who were having a pint or two in there.

you'll be fine finding friends in college, while lots of people (even people in this thread) buy into Irish drinking culture to such an extent that they think you can't have a good time unless you're locked, I've found that that's really not true, I didn't have any of a worse time because of it (in fact a much better time) and I've also found that there are loads of people with a very responsible attitude to alcohol that you will have no problem getting to know.

I think you're missing the point a little, it's not fun to be around drunk people was what we were trying to say, not that people can't have fun/a good night out without drink.

As for the lodge, just avoid it completely! :pac:

poeticjustice

shabouwcaw wrote: »

It seems like you place a lot of stock in people not drinking as how you evaluate them

Hey, thanks for replying. I agree with you, except for the quote above. Think my original post has been misinterpreted a little down the thread like chinese whispers or something I totally don't evaluate people like that. Most of my best friends drink. I drink myself sometimes but its not usually my scene. I appreciate the rest of what you're saying though.

I'm more curious to see what others do when all their friends or flatmates are heading for a night of drinking and lodging and if there are in fact many in the same boat.

poeticjustice

victoria.eliza wrote: »

Another first year who seldom drinks here, for no other reason but I hate the taste of it and almost all the mixers are carbonated which my stomach doesn't agree with My advice? If you can find a way to go out and enjoy yourself without it definitely do it - I will be!

Not everyone drinks; don't feel that you have to just because the majority do. You'll just feel uncomfortable and miserable. If you're not the type that likes to go out, which is perfectly reasonable, maybe try and join as many clubs and societies as you can?

Outreach and volunteering programs are always daytime (so I've been told) and as far as I know they don't revolve around drinking so much. Look into it:)

Bottom line is: it's okay not to drink. But if you restrict yourself from going to places where people do drink, you really are limiting yourself. Try everying and see what happens - drink culture may not dominate all;)

Hey. Thanks for replying. wonder how many people do go out drinking just cos they feel they have to to fit in and make friends?!? I'd say it happens quite a bit.

Good idea with the volunteering programmes. I'll look into that too. There are loads of clubs i'm interested in joining although i'm sure most of them socialise in the same way, which is totally fine.

So do you go to bars and clubs with your friends and not drink or do you just find other ways to have fun?

poeticjustice

Daniel S wrote: »

As for the lodge, just avoid it completely! :pac:

Been to the lodge sober once (shudder)

Ave Sodalis

poeticjustice wrote: »

Daniel S wrote: »

As for the lodge, just avoid it completely! :pac:

Been to the lodge sober once (shudder)

I've only had one bad night in the lodge and that was actually Monday night been a good few times last year and was grand. Id say its more mollys that you'd need to be drunk for

Jester252

In a nightclub sober is the worst unless your there with a good group of friends

Gael23

victoria.eliza wrote: »

Another first year who seldom drinks here, for no other reason but I hate the taste of it and almost all the mixers are carbonated which my stomach doesn't agree with My advice? If you can find a way to go out and enjoy yourself without it definitely do it - I will be!

Im a bit the same as this. Barely ever drink because I just dont like the taste of most drinks and to be honest, I think its a waste of money most of the time. Being in clubs can be a little awkward but thats the only time. If your with friends in a bar or something whats to stop you getting a coke or a coffee?

Chavways

I'm the only one out of my whole group of friends who doesn't drink so I feel your pain. Never saw the attraction of getting wrecked,sick and feeling rotten for the whole next day.

Like you, I prefer a trip to the cinema or whatever.

Togepi

I'm another non-drinking first year, I'm going to go out a fair bit anyway though, sure why not?

I do think it's going to take a while for some people to realise that they're not actually going to succeed in persuading me to drink though... :cool: But most people haven't taken much notice.

Dale Parish

I'm the same, I don't drink at all (I don't really go out, and I'm not a first year - though I could be again depending on results on Monday :pac: )

Nic Neptune

I don't drink either. Thus far, I have met one other person who doesn't either.

I'm not into the party/club scene. I'd much rather go to the cinema/theater or sit in and have a laugh with some friends or relax for the evening with a good book (I sound old. :P ) I have no problem going to a bar with a group of friends and getting a water or coke or something, but the club scene could be another thing. I've no problem being around drinking people, but if they're drunk and I'm not, I can't imagine it being a very good time.

The only thing I would be slightly concerned about is trying to meet and befriend people, as it seems harder to fit in being the only sober one in the group. I guess, like people have said before me, I'll join clubs and societies to meet like-minded people. During the HEAR orientation, the group I was in was talking about drinking one night and I was the only one who had nothing to contribute to the conversation so I kind of just trailed along behind them.

I've no problem with people who drink, but it does wreck my head when it is ALL that they ever talk about. I know everyone's not like that, but I've met quite a few people who talk about nothing else.

kfrancis94

I don't drink either. It can be isolating at times, but in general it is quite rewarding when you suffer from a hangover every Sunday morning.

Brian Lighthouse

There`s about 13,000 students at UL.

For many students that`s a town bigger than where they came from. If they found friends at home, they`ll find friends at UL.

Don`t stress about peer pressure.

Do your own thing, be yourself and you`ll stay happy and meet lots of friends.

poeticjustice

Cool. There's more of us then I thought.

The problem is, we're harder to find.

I mean, you can always spot a drunk person and if you can't, you definately know where you can find them

Pan Pan Pan

poeticjustice wrote: »

Cool. There's more of us then I thought.

The problem is, we're harder to find.

I mean, you can always spot a drunk person and if you can't, you definately know where you can find them

YOU PATRONIZING TW#T!!!!! :mad:

It will be easy find YOU throughout the year.....
YOU WILL BE THE SAD, BITTER ONE ALWAYS ON HIS OWN!!!!! :rolleyes:

Brian Lighthouse

Pan Pan Pan wrote: »

YOU PATRONIZING TW#T!!!!! :mad:

It will be easy find YOU throughout the year.....
YOU WILL BE THE SAD, BITTER ONE ALWAYS ON HIS OWN!!!!! :rolleyes:

Something for your hangover Pan Pan Pan
http://youtu.be/TJL4Y3aGPuA

poeticjustice

Pan Pan Pan wrote: »

YOU PATRONIZING TW#T!!!!! :mad:

It will be easy find YOU throughout the year.....
YOU WILL BE THE SAD, BITTER ONE ALWAYS ON HIS OWN!!!!! :rolleyes:

Kid, you're way off the mark.

I'm not being patronizing. You're just misinterpreting my posts!!

I'm saying it's hard to find other non drinkers because unlike people who drink and have a common place to meet other people that drink-the pub, non drinkers don't have that. And on Tues and Thurs nights when a lot of people are down at the lodge or wherever, it would be nice to have some people to hang out with!!!

Stop taking this personally!!! I have nothing against people that drink!!! And stop being hypocritical because you clearly have a problem with those that don't drink!!!

poeticjustice

Brian Lighthouse wrote: »

Something for your hangover Pan Pan Pan
http://youtu.be/TJL4Y3aGPuA

haha how does someone even stumble across a video like this???

poeticjustice

Dale Parish wrote: »

I'm the same, I don't drink at all (I don't really go out, and I'm not a first year - though I could be again depending on results on Monday :pac: )

Did you pass your repeats?

Dale Parish

poeticjustice wrote: »

Did you pass your repeats?

Yes


:pac:

J_E

Honestly, don't get too hung up on who drinks and who doesn't because you're immediately limiting yourself from what could be a great bunch of people to be around. Not everyone who drinks does so with a solid aim of getting drunk and disorientated. Not everyone wakes up with pounding hangovers. In fact, the majority of people just enjoy a social drink or two and are fine. I've been there, trust me, and you'll just end up alienating people if you push it too hard.

Chavways

Cydoniac wrote: »

Honestly, don't get too hung up on who drinks and who doesn't because you're immediately limiting yourself from what could be a great bunch of people to be around. Not everyone who drinks does so with a solid aim of getting drunk and disorientated. Not everyone wakes up with pounding hangovers. In fact, the majority of people just enjoy a social drink or two and are fine. I've been there, trust me, and you'll just end up alienating people if you push it too hard.

You don't know my friends

Peteee

pan pan pan, banned for a while for personal abuse.

jigglypuffstuff

poeticjustice wrote: »

Hey,

Just wondering if there is anyone else going to UL that isn't really into the party scene? Most people seem pretty obsessed with getting drunk and going to clubs and parties and it'd be nice to know i'm not alone.

It's not a religious thing or anything. I'm just happy enough with a night at the cinema, or just having a laugh chatting with a group of friends. don't really know how to meet like minded people.

thanks

Im In UCC op....... in 2nd year and i rarely drink..im also a student in UL on the weekend doing the NCEF....I live at home and commute from Tipperary to Cork Daily

I train between 10-14 times a week in Strength training, Cardio. and martial arts kenpo and tkd..my friends accept i don't drink that often as ..when i do i enjoy it,,but 8/10 times im sober due to training commitments....its not ideal for me to drink
as it would interfere but i enjoy a good drink on occasion....usually a proper bottle of vodka , (belvedere ciroc grey goose etc) which i'd share with my friends!!

Its always good to be the person thats not afraid to be themselves...more people admire me and respect me for my decisions...I think its just fine to do whatever suits you...and if someone judges and forms and opinion of you on whether you need alcohol in your life.....there not really worth having around because a lot (but not all) of the people that form this opinion and criticize you based solely on conforming to a social norm usually are insecure and possibly jealous that you can refuse to conform yet still manage to fit in whereas they need to conform in order to feel accepted

cough *First class honours in my social psychology module :pac: * cough

All in all OP be happy to be you...don't feel pressured..if your looking to meet new people perhaps mention some of your favourite sports pastimes etc and i could recommend something?

Occono

I don't drink much or party. I did get some,uh, shocked reactions from some people, so it's uncommon, but they've not been pushy about it. Every so often I do find people pushing me to drink but it's usually family members not my friends.

jigglypuffstuff

Occono wrote: »

I don't drink much or party. I did get some,uh, shocked reactions from some people, so it's uncommon, but they've not been pushy about it. Every so often I do find people pushing me to drink but it's usually family members not my friends.

Really??? I find that interesting..when i stopped it was my friends being pushy for a while..my family on the other hand were very supportive and did nothing but encourage me to stay away from alcohol..

Bazgina

Yes , we are out there!
I dont drink either , but I love going out and getting dolled up! :P I also adore live bands and a good dance at the club with the girls.I love smyths ... over 21s though .
I found youll get mix reactions but I have learnt that you shouldnt give a **** what people think of ya, just be yourself! If they dont like it , they have a problem with themselves.
As for me , I usually mix with all kinds, from sporty to nerdy I dont need to justify to anyone why I dont drink, I just dont.I dont look down on people who do, thats their business - I never judge someone else because you dont really know the person like you think
But that doesnt mean Im a dry ****e ya know, lol I enjoy the craic as much as the next person. Ill more then likely be the person falling over in heels and laughing on a night out(oh the clumsiness)anyway enough about me...
like people mentioned above .. clubs and sports are great ways of meeting people. When ya dont drink it can be so handy for getting toned up and not having an excuse to be unfit!I found sports is great because most are focused on getting fit , that is if your interested in sport .or your into reading books , Im sure there is a society out there,... maybe Fan forum or photography?
Best of luck

SellingJuan

I go out, but I dont necessarily have to drink, especially with a 9pm lecture the next day. You would be surprised the amount of people that arent drunk on a night out.

lanysmiles:)

I always found societies a good way to get to know people with similar interests there's loooads gsoc, a&m, lit soc, computer soc, math soc, lit soc, just some of the societies I joined and made good friends in!
I hear ya, I don't dislike people because they drink, I just hate being surrounded by (mostly drunk) people in clubs etc, it freaks me out somewhat.
Javas was always relaxing to be in, even with people drinking, the stables was alwyas too noisy to have a good chat in, but Javas also serve food and are really sound about tea and coffee late at night!

Actually you'll probably know it as Scholars xD

Aragneer

I'm a non-drinker as of recently. I do not drink much but if I even have one glass I am sick as a pig that evening or the next day so I've given it up. Plus I hate how it makes you act as I'm a foolish drunk..

My boyfriend also doesn't drink and has only ever had five drinks. So you'll find lots of people who don't drink but don't limit yourself to just those people as some drinkers aren't what you'd expect them to be

benchppress

I am an alcoholic and I haven't drank in the last 3 years. I don't really socialise any more, when I'm not working I go to the gym, do arts and crafts and read/cinema/tv.

All of my old drinking buddies still drink regularly together, i see them around 2/3 times a year. I have gone to some 'dry' events with randomers and they're usually terribly boring, I'm ashamed to say.