Five tips for living a sober student life

When you think about university life, you’ll often think about the social aspect. The drinking, the parties, the experimenting with various substances. And while that is still there, more and more students are recognising the benefits of a sober lifestyle.

Abstaining from the likes of drugs and alcohol from a young age can be hugely beneficial for a person’s life, particularly during a time when more people are suffering from addiction than ever before, finding themselves in alcohol rehab trying to get their life back on track. However, it can also be difficult to navigate that at university, particularly when there are still plenty of pressures out there, from academic stress to social pressures.

With many students heading to university for the first time in the coming weeks, here are five top tips for living a sober lifestyle for those wishing to take that route…

Find a Supportive Community

One of the most important steps to living sober as a student is surrounding yourself with like-minded people. Navigating university life with people who have the same values as you can really make a difference, and they’re easy to find too.

There will be plenty of student groups and clubs out there that are completely unrelated to alcohol, allowing you to meet people who share the same passions as you and develop friendships that really can last a lifetime. All with zero pressure to drink or take drugs at all.

Focus on Health and Wellness

Prioritising your health and wellbeing is really important at university, both physically and mentally. Use your time and energy to explore the activities available to you that promote a healthier lifestyle.

Rather than big nights on the town, consider a gym membership or joining a sports team, while also using the money you’ll save on not partaking in substances to ensure you can enjoy a healthy and well-balanced diet.

Develop Strong Time Management Skills

Actually, one of the advantages of living a sober lifestyle as a student is the clarity and focus it provides. This can hugely benefit your academic performance and developing strong time management skills will allow you to create a schedule that can be stuck to and really benefit your work/study-life balance.

Ensure there is time in there for leisure activities, part-time work or volunteering, as well as your studies and you can really maximise your experience at university, which will go on to shape the rest of your life.

Explore New Hobbies and Interests

University is all about finding yourself and experimenting. It is why so many people do turn to drugs and the like. But you can “find yourself” or “experiment” in much healthier ways. In fact, it’s the ideal time to explore new hobbies and interests.

Whether it’s joining a book club, learning a language, taking up the likes of cooking or photography, the opportunities are endless and you really will find a society for almost everything!

Communicate Your Choices Clearly

One of the challenges of living a sober student life is dealing with the social expectations around drinking. It’s important to communicate your choices clearly and confidently to your peers. When attending social events, be upfront about your decision not to drink, and don’t be afraid to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages. Most people will respect your choice, and those who don’t are not worth your time.

If you feel uncomfortable in situations where alcohol is prevalent, it’s okay to politely decline invitations or suggest alternative activities. By being honest and assertive about your preferences, you’ll gain the respect of others and find it easier to maintain your sober lifestyle.