“Oxford students drink far too much!” An American friend of mine made that comment on a visit last term.
I could not agree more. As a Vietnamese Chinese student who has studied abroad in various countries, including Greece, Spain, the US, and the UK to complete my Linguistics and Philosophy degree, I have experienced multiple cultures. I’ve noticed that European students tend to drink much more heavily than those in the US and possibly Asia.
In my hometown, people rarely drink casually; we only drink and get drunk on special occasions. Vietnamese university students barely consume alcohol at social events; we typically drink boba tea or other refreshing fruit teas. Additionally, American students are forbidden to drink before they turn 21, so I only sometimes came across friends sneaking alcohol in and out of the dorm. However, at Oxford, alcohol is visibly everywhere: at the balls, during formals, after classes on every street, at society meetings, magazine launches, and even at academic events!
Why do students at Oxford drink (so much)?
In my opinion, with a cup of beer or a glass of wine, you can turn from a boring Oxford academic weapon into a laid-back stand-up comedian. With alcohol, it seems easier to express your feelings, talk about stress, and make friends.
Furthermore, I’ve noticed that drinking creates a relaxed atmosphere. You and your friends gather around a table, connect through casual games, update each other through easy conversations, share gossip, and momentarily forget the stresses and deadlines of your demanding workload, particularly when at Oxford.
Finally, in my experience, drinking helps to alleviate anxiety and awkwardness in conversations. Specifically, when the conversation plunges into an uncomfortable silence, you can easily exit by sipping some alcohol and shift to scrolling on your phone. If the discussion becomes tedious, you can fidget with your cup, gazing in and out, watching the bubbles in your beer. Alternatively, if you need a break from the gathering, you can tell your friends you need to top up your drink or that you’re feeling a bit tipsy and want to step away for a moment.
At Oxford, there are countless activities, wonderful people to meet, and opportunities one would not want to miss. However, alcohol also has several risks and drawbacks, especially if you have an early lecture the next day. So, how can one avoid drinking (either excessively or entirely) while still enjoying the benefits alcohol offers for a fulfilling student life?
After completing half of my undergraduate studies, I have learned and employed three strategies at Oxford, both successfully and clumsily.
Strategy 1: Nobody knows what you’re drinking
This approach is to blend in with the crowd by holding a glass of sparkling water. After all, no one will notice you’re not drinking unless you want them to. A pottery cup and a non-alcoholic beverage go a long way since social rituals matter more than actual drinks.
You can do the same in bars as well. Some places offer non-alcoholic options, and most people find it impossible to tell whether they’re sipping on a Coca-Cola alone or a mixed drink with Coca-Cola. I used to go to a gay disco bar around midnight with my friends, fully aware that I had a meeting at 8am the following day. To remain sober, I would simply order a decent mocktail and join in with my inebriated friends.
Strategy 2: Drink wisely
Knowing your tolerance will tremendously help you manage to stay sober when going out and avoid an excessive amount of alcohol intake. It does not really matter if you drink wine before beer or beer before wine; what makes you drunk is the overall alcohol consumption. Additionally, avoid drinking sweet or mixed alcohol, like cocktails or mixed drinks, as it will be harder to keep track of your alcohol intake.
I usually choose the cheapest and least alcoholic drink—cider. I typically order a bottle of cider and a glass of tap water, alternating between the two so I can remain sober. No one pays attention to their friends’ alcohol intake, so you can make sure to enjoy your time chatting, doing wild things, and experiencing college life properly without needing to drink too much, and pour so much money into alcohol.
Additionally, filling your stomach with a nutritious meal before or after going out for a drink can help prevent you from getting too drunk and suffering from a hangover the next day.
Strategy 3: Be honest
I have been the sober one in my group of friends, as well as the one who drinks heavily in the company of a completely sober friend. It isn’t as terrible as you might imagine to be the sober one in your friendship group.
Of course, it is hard at first when “coming out” to your friends that you do not fancy drinking, would prefer drinking less, or would prefer not to drink at all. However, the core reason students drink is to be likeable, chill, and fun. As long as you’re humorous, friendly, and easygoing, most people won’t care whether you drink. After all, people care more about the vibe you bring than what’s in your glass.
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Overall, Oxford’s drinking culture is not a significant issue if you understand why students drink and know how you can still have a comprehensive student experience. I hope you find this article helpful and enjoy your Oxford student life, whether you wish to remain sober or not.