In the case of the current drinking culture, some students have embraced the exclusiveness of pre-party drinking in order to save money at the bars and increase self-confidence.
Downtown Naperville has more than 40 bars and restaurants and is known to be a strict area when it comes to alcohol consumption. It’s next to a college campus, where students who are legal to drink are tempted to spend money and underage students try to use fake IDs.
But because of the city restrictions regarding alcohol they save the risk, and the money, by drinking before a night out at the bars. However, a psychological aspect is built into students’ pre-drinking habits.
Those who are not used to going out every weekend may feel unsafe about being out late or being surrounded by other intoxicated people. They may also feel uncomfortable with trying to block unwanted attention like flirting, grinding, groping and all those other eye-rolling tricks. But, of course, they don’t want to be the awkward one among the group.
Journalist Edward Malnick examined this behavior when writing a piece for The Telegraph titled, “Young people ‘pre-drink’ out of fear of nightclubs.” Within the article, Dr. Adrian Barton, associate professor of Plymouth University, shares further insight on partying behaviors.
“What we found was that they [students]are under quite a lot of pressure to have a good time,” said Barton. “Beyond price, young people seemingly need alcohol to cope when going out.”
Drinking alcohol can be a way to relax your mind that makes you feel more comfortable to dance, talk and flirt. It’s simply the perfect loophole to fit in with the college social scene. You’re able to bring out a new, extrovert alter-ego that willsurprise everyone. Without realizing it, you’re throwing your hands in the air and shouting the lyrics to the new Martin Garrix song.
Do you know the saying “Trust me, you can dance,” — Vodka. Well, it’s true. Pre-drinking sorts out all of those insecurities and makes you feel like you can conquer the world. It’s the same when students choose not to go out and stay in a more inclusive location to drink.
A small group of friends can be even better because they already know you. They won’t judge no matter how much you have to drink. It’s also easier to just have the full party at a small location. There are less restrictions, but it doesn’t give you a free ticket to do anything. The party can overload and turn into a scene from “Project X.”
Is it the exclusiveness and comfortability of pre-drinking that seems to be the golden ticket to social gatherings? Or is it the money-saving strategies that control today’s students?
