@Jimtoes: Suggesting OP (anyone, for that matter) should be drinking at all in college, really time in life, is a destructive suggestion.
I’m pretty sure jimtoes was just joking (although, once you’re old enough, that can help you if you’re into the whole drinking thing).
To make it not revolve around alcohol, you can try and learn how to pace yourself socially. If you’re an introvert and get overwhelmed by being with too many people for too long, try and space it out. You can start off with hanging out with people once a weekend and then maybe twice when you feel more comfortable. If everyone wants to hang out for like 12 hours straight and you feel like you need to be by yourself after 5, just casually say something like “hey, I’m gonna go back to my room to take care of something. I’ll be back at (whatever time)”.
College is an environment where there’s constant interaction between people, and you have to learn how much you can handle. It’s totally acceptable to wean yourself into it and ease out of it when it becomes too much. It’s all a learning experience, and it’s up to you to learn where you fall on the learning curve.
" I just want to be as well rounded as possible"
Right there is your problem. Do something you WANT to do, darned if it makes you “Well Rounded” or not. You’re a person, not a resume. You’re gonna be short enough on time as it is with school/hw/studying as it is, double that if you’re a typical CC’er and quadrouple it if you’re asian. Just do the things you like in your free time.
Also DO NOT underestimate the value of a good night’s sleep.
Be wary of being overly-involved as well. You’ll find your time slipping away as it is in college. Be careful not to make too many commitments, especially if it is only to pad your resume. Before you join an organization think about it carefully and strategically. Is this worth committing my time to? Will I enjoy it? Will it potentially impact my academic performance?
And as far as drinking/partying goes: Don’t do it in high school. The consequences are too severe. In college, your self-responsibility will be tested. There is no one to force you not to go, you will need to learn to use your best judgement.
Thx a lot!! I’m gonna follow your inspiring ideas!
This may surprise you but, country/western dancing is the best thing you can learn while you wait. Everyone goes at some point, especially freshman year. We told our son to pick it up before he started at UT but, it was too far out of his comfort zone. I received a very rare “mom, I can’t believe you were right” phone call. He picked it up along the way and even took several social dance electives to improve. Girls will line up to dance with the guy who can do more than just the basic two-step. Guys love a girl who they can show-off with.
Oh, and buy yourself a pair of boots you won’t mind getting stepped/spilled on with smooth soles for dancing.
You’re welcome! 