For students heading to university for the first time, life isn’t all about studying. It’s a place many young people find themselves, form relationships that’ll last a lifetime, and generally get a lot more insight in standing up on their own two feet.
However, it’s also a place of temptation, experimentation and excess in many cases, particularly when it comes to the likes of substances and alcohol. Which can be problematic. Many people have struggled with the likes of drugs and alcohol during university, with many going through alcohol rehab later in life often looking back in therapy to their university days being the start of the struggle.
It’s a mistake you don’t want to make, as it’ll not only affect your studies but potentially the rest of your life too. So, if you’re heading to university in the coming months, here are five top tips for approaching your time there sober…
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Find Your Support Network
One of the most important aspects of approaching university sober is having a strong support network. You need people around you to help, as temptation can be prominent, as well as peer pressure.
Your network can be made up of friends and classmates who respect your decision not to drink, as well as various university societies which are set up to promote a sober lifestyle. Most universities now have sober clubs to aid students, organising social events that don’t revolve around alcohol.
Plan Alternative Social Activities
Speaking of which, social life at university doesn’t have to revolve around alcohol. There are so many ways to build friendships that don’t involve downing pints and drinking shots. You can plan the likes of movie nights, game nights, day trips out or joining a sports team or hobby group, from the likes of cooking to crafting to learning a language. None of this requires a drink.
Focus on Your Wellbeing
Your wellbeing is incredibly important at university as there is a lot to concentrate on and a lot to think about. That doesn’t just involve your studies, but also living independently and drinking regularly or taking drugs can impact that spectacularly.
Without the negative impacts of substances, however, you will find it much easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle, providing you with sufficient sleep, a more balanced diet and the opportunity to exercise regularly, all of which will improve your studies, boost your mood and increase energy levels.
Effectively, you’re negating the negative impacts alcohol can have on you, especially during a period in life that can be challenging. Many students feel lonely, struggle to cope with studies and worry about money. Drinking alcohol regularly will only exacerbate those worries, while staying sober will allow you to tackle them head on and enjoy a more fulfilling experience.
Set Clear Boundaries
Setting boundaries early on in your time at university is a must. By setting your stall out and letting people know you are sober and are committed to being so will ensure friends, classmates and acquaintances are aware and respect your decision to remain sober.
A good idea can be to decide in advance how you’ll respond if someone offers you a drink or puts any pressure on you, while it can also be a good idea to have an exit strategy to remove yourself from a situation if needs be.
Embrace the Benefits of Sobriety
Approaching university sober comes with numerous benefits that can enhance your overall experience. Staying sober means you’ll be more present and aware in social situations, leading to more meaningful connections and experiences. You’ll likely save money, avoid hangovers, and reduce the risk of making decisions you might regret later. Additionally, sobriety can improve your focus and academic performance, allowing you to fully engage with your studies and achieve your academic goals.
It’s also worth recognising the long-term benefits of staying sober, such as better health, improved mental clarity, and the development of strong, authentic relationships. Embracing these benefits can reinforce your commitment to sobriety and help you navigate university life with confidence and positivity.