<p>Hmm, I honestly don’t know the percentage because like I said… it isn’t something that people really pay attention to. No-one bats an eye if someone doesn’t drink, and there definitely are a good amount of students who don’t. There are also people who do drink, but on any given night may decide not to for no particular reason, and again it’s not noticed. I think what I’m trying to get at here is that most Yalies are mature enough to respect personal decisions. There is little to no judgement for a choice such as one to abstain from alcohol; the people around you won’t care, but if you personally feel uncomfortable being around people who are drinking when you’re not (which, as I’ve mentioned, I have at least one friend who always does this) it just means that you may feel left out of certain social scenes that inevitably involve alcohol no matter what school you attend, such as dorm parties, bars, dance scenes.</p>
<p>It’s true that among students who do drink, pre-gaming is pretty big. This probably has to do in part with saving money at bars. Also big in the greek scene. But again, common to all schools. And if you think there is nothing to do but drink, clearly you aren’t trying to get involved in anything but drinking-centered events (like parties, Toads, bars, etc.). There is plenty to do that does not involve alcohol; it’s just about finding people to do those things with, which albeit takes a bit of outgoingness, willingness to try new things, and eagerness to meet/engage new people. </p>
<p>Don’t let the drinking scene at Yale dissuade you. In my opinion it is no different from other schools. But don’t look for an assurance that it isn’t big; it is big enough that you will notice it, just as you will no matter where you go. It is up to YOU to feel confident enough in yourself to not be self-conscious if you choose not to drink in an environment where there is alcohol, or to be outgoing enough to invite people to do things that don’t involve alcohol. There will always be people who will say yes.</p>