<p>I’m someone who enjoys going to parties occasionally, but really doesn’t like to drink. My favorite parties are the ones where bunch of us rent a scary or funny movie, pop some corn, and enjoy ourselves. On the other hand, sometimes I choose to go out with friends to “traditional” parties. So at every college I’ve visited, I’ve asked (more than one student there) if A) There is a party scene for those who do wish to engage in it. B) Is it on the periphery or does “everybody” do it? C) Are there things to do if you don’t drink; would you feel left out/lonely if you choose not to drink? The responses I like best are that it exists if you want it, but there is a lot to do if you choose not to partake in it. I’ve found that some schools have activities literally every single night for students to do-- from popular movie showings to stand up comedy, etc. However, there are some schools at which, if you don’t party (or sometimes furthermore, if you aren’t in the Greek system) there is barely anything else to do.</p>
<p>Just one suggestion that comes to mind: Union College in NY is always ranked in the top few schools for “things to do on campus,” and that includes school-sponsored night activities, apparently. That kind of atmosphere is great for the take-it-or-leave it drinker/partier.</p>
<p>Talk to students who actually go to a school. Talk to someone who likes to party. Talk to someone who doesn’t. Just try to get an honest response about what’s really going on there at night. Another suggestion is to have an overnight on a Friday or Saturday night. I had one at a particular school. First I was taken to a comedy show, and then to a frat party. I got to see the two different sides of the nightlife. But I also found that at the frat party, a bunch of kids, including some of the frat brothers who lived there, chose not to drink. I talked to both the drinkers and non-drinkers about the atmosphere there.</p>
<p>So basically, ASK! Multiple sources. First-hand sources.</p>