Benefits of being a Sober Student: Thriving without Alcohol and Overcoming F.O.M.O
F.O.M.O. What is it? It stands for ‘fear of missing out’. It can be a real and valid fear among students who wish to remain alcohol free. Annabelle Smith, a second year Geography student attending Newcastle University speaks about her experience, clubbing, pubbing and partying while remaining entirely sober.
See Annabelle’s take here!
The reality is, for many students, university life can and does revolve around alcohol. It has become such a widely accepted cultural norm making the consumption of it, naturally integrated into a young adult society. However, as Annabelle Smith states, it is more than possible to overcome it. In fact, it’s easy!
Daisy Reinsch, a second year student, also had this to say on the pressures of Freshers and making friends without alcohol.
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The truth of the matter is, university offers more than just social drinking. It is a place of endless opportunities to make friends, create memories and most importantly, have fun!
Here are some tips and solutions to overcome these feelings
When feeling F.O.M.O, it is very difficult to see the bigger picture and the real reasons why you are choosing to remain alcohol free. At times like this, it is important to remind yourself of the real benefits you reap when opting for a more healthier lifestyle. It is hugely important to reconnect yourself with your reasons and remembering that this choice helps you in the long run.
What truly is fun?
When feeling left out of such a massive part of university culture, it is important that you remind yourself what fun truly is. Fun is not synonymous with drinking, clubbing and pubbing. Fun is what you make it. Most memories are made when you are being fully authentic and present, allowing yourself to have genuine fulfilment. This could be laughing with friends, going to a theme park or attending an open mic night! The possibilities are endless and most importantly, enjoyable. By changing and re-evaluating your definition of fun, it is easy to appreciate sober satisfaction.
No one thinks you’re boring.
It is natural to become paranoid that you’re boring, bland or dull when attending a social event where you are seemingly the only one sober. However, this fear does not come from being sober, it most likely stems from a personal insecurity or embedded social pressures. Ways to overcome this may take some time but are so easily achievable.
During moments of insecurity like these, it is important to recognise that no one is watching you. Everyone is too focused on their own enjoyment as you are on your own. Chances are, no one is scrutinising your every move so focus making authentic connections and stand firm in your newfound sober identity. Ultimately by surrounding yourself with the right people and remaining strong in your alcohol free choices, these hardships and paranoid thoughts will eventually disappear.
‘Put yourself first’
Annabelle smith
What are other ways sobriety can be enjoyable?
The Rise of Alcohol Free Events
Many students are discovering that alcohol-free events often encourage more genuine connections and deeper conversations. Without the distraction of getting drunk or trying to keep up with others’ drinking habits, students can focus on the true joy of socializing. Whether it’s a board game night, movie marathon, or trivia quiz, these events offer a fun and inclusive alternative to the traditional party atmosphere. There is a huge sector of society that would rather opt for an evening of sober activities than a night in Flares! In fact, there is a society within Newcastle’s student union that solely focuses on this: Sober Society! The push for alcohol-free events has become more prevalent than ever on campuses across the nation. Newcastle’s ‘SoberSoc’ offers a wide range of mindful activities that allow students to meet new people, build new relationships and partake in activities as a collective. Whether someone is sober by choice, religion or culture, societies like this allow for activities that cater to everyone and anyone. SoberSoc has organised weekly meetups for example, ‘Sobrietea’. This is a social held at different coffee shops around Newcastle and allow members to bond and simply have fun. Different socials also include ice skating, pottery painting and a sober summer ball.
Other Societies
The fun does not stop at SoberSoc, in fact, there are hundreds of societies that can hold sober events.
Smith is a member of the Tennis Society. Although this society does hold events that involve alcohol, it is possible to still enjoy meeting new people without this. Annabelle Smith finds that attending the weekly sessions of tennis is enough for her to socialise, stay active and feel fulfilled.
Other societies could also include Newcastle’s Crochet and Knitting Society or even Baking Society. Some students find solace in quieter activities like reading, writing, or joining a local hiking group, providing a much-needed break from the high-energy party scene. These events create spaces where students can relax and connect without the influence of alcohol while also meeting like-minded people at the same time.
Ultimately, by surrounding yourself with non judgemental and accepting people, whether they are sober or still enjoy an alcoholic beverage, it will make this lifestyle choice so much easier to commit to and the benefits both socially and scientifically will become entirely worth it.