Dry January is a great way to detox from drinking, kick off the new year being mindful of your physical and mental health, and perhaps raise money for charity. For students it can be a great opportunity to connect more closely with friends, save money and to focus on the exam period. However, as drinking culture is so prevalent at University, committing to dry January while living with other students can be a challenge.
Planning sober socials with friends
Movie nights, hiking, going on a day trip somewhere and going out for a meal or for coffee are just a few fun suggestions for meeting friends for a sober get-together. Most university societies also host regular sober socials. Planning sober socials is a great way to avoid isolating yourself, getting fomo, or being tempted to drink if you are trying dry January.
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Going along to the pub or to parties
Just because you aren’t drinking that doesn’t mean you can’t go along to the pub or to parties with your friends. In fact you might find yourself having more meaningful conversations and connecting with people more than when you are drinking. Going clubbing sober is definitely an adjustment, but it can be really fun dancing with your friends without relying on alcohol, or having to deal with a hangover the next day. Doing dry January as a student can actually make you reassess some of the more stereotypical university activities.
Connecting with likeminded people
Whether via social media, through mutual friends or through university groups, connecting with other people doing dry January will help you to stay motivated. Most universities have a sober social society where members meet up to do activities like board game nights, movie nights, or baking. Through Instagram and TikTok hashtags you can also find an array of people documenting their dry January journeys.
Dealing with invasive questions
While most people will be understanding of (and likely impressed by) your decision to undertake dry January, you may face a few invasive or judgmental questions. If you don’t fancy explaining your decision to others, don’t be afraid to be blunt. Remember why you are doing dry January and don’t give in to peer pressure.
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