By Sophia Scott, Second Year, Liberal Arts
I’ve never been a massive drinker. As Frank Sinatra once sang, ‘I get no kick from champagne, mere alcohol doesn’t thrill me at all.’ And so, from the age of zero to eighteen, I got my kick from other things, like music and cake (God, I love cake). It never really bothered me until I started going to secondary school house parties, where someone would say, ‘Sophia, why aren’t you drinking?’ So, when university was right around the corner, I feared that my social life and capacity to make friends would be hindered by not partaking in alcohol culture. Would I miss out? Would people think I was a square? Would I feel obliged to do something I didn’t want to do?
Now that I am starting my second year at Bristol, my relationship with alcohol has changed. Rather than abstaining, I occasionally enjoy a pint at the pub with a friend and may partake in the odd Tequila shot from time to time. I like to think that I’m an independent woman, free to do and say as I please. But I sometimes wonder whether this change is because one day I woke up and fancied a pint, or if I was tired of explaining myself and just wanted to feel a bit more ‘normal.’
Gen Z is often labelled as the most sober generation. Some research suggests that less than two per cent of those in their twenties drink daily, while only forty-one per cent of university students report drinking once a week or more. That said, alcohol culture is still alive and well among Gen Z and university students, with so-called ‘binge drinking’ remaining prevalent as nearly a third of 23 year-olds admit to drinking six drinks or more in one sitting each month. Not to mention, new trends, such as the growing popularity of buzzballs amongst young people.
In many ways alcohol consumption feels integral to the university lifestyle, whether that’s a pint with some mates, ‘pres’ before a night out, or even the USP of the University of Bristol’s end of year ball, Winestock.
‘There have definitely been times where I’ve said that I’m not going to drink on a night out and then have ended up drinking,’ says Gracie Linehan-Cooke, a second year Theatre and Film student.
She recalls that she doesn’t necessarily feel peer pressure, but rather, pressure she has put on herself.
‘I feel like maybe I force myself to [drink] even if I don’t want to.’
Certainly, peer pressure can still happen, for example, I’ve had the odd person assure me that there is vodka to accompany the Pepsi max in my glass, as if the world would come to an end if there wasn’t.
While alcohol consumption at university can seem harmless, there can be various negative side effects. Short-term consequences may be things like missing a lecture or being unable to recall what happened the night before. But there are also the more serious effects like injuring yourself or worsening an existing mental condition. Of course, those who don’t partake in such activities may experience feelings of anxiety, isolation and alienation.
Meg Pantry
‘Being in a party setting can be quite overwhelming for me and sometimes I wonder if, by drinking alcohol, I would feel more at ease’ another student told me.
What this means long term is anyone’s guess. If you look at those who have surpassed their twenties, there is a trend of higher alcohol consumption. Nearly one in five of those in their 40s exceed government regulations around alcohol. So, only time will tell whether Gen Z will follow in the footsteps of their millennial predecessors or carve their own path.
With anything in life, different people choose to do different things. The partygoers and night owls, the morning people and go-getters. You will find that there are people in life who judge you for what you decide to do, but you will also find that there are more who don’t. Neither lifestyle is wrong or right, it is about figuring out what works best for you.
As term time is fast approaching, here are some tips from myself and other students on managing the social pressure to drink.
‘Even though it is easier said than done, just try your hardest to not let others’ opinions bother you.’ Gracie Linehan-Cooke, (second year) Theatre and Film
‘With the right people, you will never feel pressure.’ Amy Elliott, (second year) Law
‘There are so many societies that do alcohol-free events, so I would seek those kinds of people and societies out!’ Anonymous
Featured Image: Epigram / Sophia Scott
Do you feel social pressure to drink at university?
