If you are a recent high-school graduate, you may be enjoying your last summer at home before you go off to college in Bloomington. In just a few months, you will be living in a dorm, making new friends and living a life out from under the watchful eyes of your parents. There will be clubs to join, new sports to try, lecture halls filled to bursting with other first-year students. In addition, there will probably be a party every weekend if not every night.
Most college parties involve alcohol of some kind, beer, at the very least, and harder liquors like vodka or tequila. If you attend a party that has drugs or alcohol present, you might feel pressured by your new friends to drink, smoke marijuana or consume other substances. While the desire to fit in may seem very strong, it is important to keep in mind that you do not have to give in to peer pressure to make and keep your new friends. These tips can help you fight back against peer pressure in college.
There is some good peer pressure
Not all peer pressure has to lead to drug and alcohol use. In fact, there are many college clubs and activities that do not revolve around drinking. Search for groups you want to join that will have a positive impact on your college experience and your life.
Trust your decisions
If something does not feel right to you, then do not do it. While this might seem like it is easier said than done, remember that you never have to do something that you are not comfortable with. If people stop talking to you because you refuse to drink alcohol or do drugs, then those people are not worth having as friends anyway. There are plenty of other students that will support your decisions.
Make new friends
If you find that your new group of college friends are influencing you into skipping class and going to parties five nights per week and you don’t feel right participating, then it might be time to start distancing yourself and searching for a new group of friends. One of the benefits of college is that you can find a club or group of people to suit almost any interest. For instance, you can probably find an archeology club, chess club, movie club or even a gaming group that meets somewhere on or close to campus.
Unfortunately, giving in to peer pressure to consume alcohol can have consequences that are much more severe than skipping class. If you are caught consuming alcohol on campus or receive a driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge, the university might suspend you and you could face legal troubles. However, if you do find yourself with a DWI, remember that you still have rights and options when it comes to defending yourself in court.
