As you transition into the college lifestyle, there is one important detail that it is important to come to terms with: you’re not in high school anymore.

This can apply to a boatload of the different aspects. When you get to campus, you’ll realize that this is a big deal in particular when it comes to the party scene.

Of course, not everyone is a stereotypical party-your-face-off college kid that feels the need to go out every night — myself included.

But I do urge all students to at least give this form of a social experience a try. Even if this is not your cup of tea, it is a great way to get yourself out there and meet new people. This way, you can get a feel for the whole experience and possibly find a group of people that fits you well.

Personally, I like to go out and have a good time, but at the same time, I don’t feel the need to do this all the time. I bonded with some of who are now my closest friends over this trait that we all have in common.

Every college party scene is different, so let’s talk about what exactly the party scene at U of I incorporates.

The week before classes begin is what is known as rush week. This is when all of the fraternities are recruiting guys as potential pledges, so you’ll be able to find a party at almost every frat house. You will most likely have a very easy time accessing alcohol at these parties, but that doesn’t mean you have to go for it.

There will be your belligerently drunk people showing off that they are “embracing the college lifestyle.” But there will also be people who don’t want to drink that much or at all but are still having a good time.

You get to choose which of these people you are going to be. You can choose to go one way or you can choose to go the other. The thing is that you don’t have to commit to a certain party personality. You can go out one night and get crazy drunk, and the next night you can go out sober. The greatest thing I learned during my first year is that you don’t have to drink to have a good time. You can have a great time sober. You just have to be mentally prepared to know that you are going to face temptations.

After rush week, you’ll still be able to find frat parties. The difference then is that until spring rush, only fraternity brothers will be allowed into their own frat parties—girls will rarely have issues getting in.

My favorite parties to go to were apartment parties. These are smaller parties—usually invite only for the most part—that are held at an upperclassman’s apartment. The good thing about these parties is that there are usually less people, which makes it easier to get to know people.

Like I said, you don’t have to drink to have a good time, but you will be faced with the temptation. It is your choice but it is important to remember is that whatever you choose, it is always the law that you must be 21 to drink, so be careful and be safe.

Lauren is a sophomore in Media

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