For better or for worse, alcohol tends to play a central role in the social lives of university students. House parties, pub crawls and bottomless mimosas with brunch: all our favourite things tend to involve a drink or five, but where does our booze-obsessed culture leave those who abstain? Luckily, it’s possible to have your fun and not drink it too.

There are plenty of reasons why someone might not drink alcohol. Some people abstain for religious reasons. Others avoid it because health concerns prevent them from drinking. Some just don’t like the taste of alcohol. Whatever the reason, choosing not to drink can often leave you in the awkward position of feeling like you have to decide between having fun and being true to yourself.

Contrary to popular belief, alcohol isn’t necessary to have a good time. In fact, staying sober once in awhile can even enhance your enjoyment of a situation. With this in mind, I’ve compiled some ideas for booze-free fun that will appeal to drinkers and teetotalers alike.

Instead of going out to the bar every Saturday night, try finding alternative ways to get together with friends. Active dates are a great way to have fun, stay sober and work on your fitness game all at the same time.

Saskatoon offers a host of unique options for active get-togethers. Try Grip It Indoor Rock Climbing, located in downtown Saskatoon, which offers group rates and has walls for every level of expertise. You could also check out clubmynx.com for information on pole dancing classes, or go fully hardcore by visiting saskatoonrollerderbyleague.ca for information on how you and your friends can become fans or try out for a team.

You know what’s even better than a great drink? Delicious food. Drunk munchies are not something that needs to be solely reserved for actual inebriation. Get your friends together and collaborate on an epic meal. No one will even miss the booze when they’re stuffing their faces with bacon truffle macaroni and cheese.

Board games night, often accompanied with a beer or two, can actually be enhanced by sobriety. While the rest of your friends get drunk, you’ll maintain your quick wit and kick everyone’s asses at Scattergories.

Although the world considers us to be adults, all university students know that we’re actually just children with voting rights. With this in mind, why not recreate your favourite childhood activities? Sleepovers, arts and crafts, blanket forts — all of these things were awesome before we were old enough to drink, and they’re still fun now without the liquor.

Drinking can often bring out one’s inner dancing queen, but alcohol is definitely not necessary to get your groove on. Hit the club as your fierce, sober self and bust a move. Chances are if you aren’t under the influence, your dance moves will actually resemble dance moves instead of drunken stumbling.

For those of you who are actually drinking for the taste of a good highball or cocktail, there are a number of yummy drinks that happen to be non-alcoholic. Sure, you can just make virgin versions of your favourites, but this is your chance to get creative!

Leyda’s Cafe, located in downtown Saskatoon, is a great place to find fresh, original mocktails. Sip on a “West Coast Zing,” which is ginger, mint, orange juice and soda water, or try an alternative to a slushy bellini with the “Andi Score” smoothie — it includes avocado, coconut water, turmeric and orange juice, among other ingredients. You can also challenge the bartender at your restaurant to create the best non-alcoholic beverage that they can.

Whether or not someone chooses to drink alcohol doesn’t need to be a moral issue. Not drinking doesn’t make you a superior person, just like drinking doesn’t make you more fun and social. Both are valid options, and everyone can make the choices that feel best to them.

With this in mind, let’s raise a glass to everyone having a good time, regardless of what is, or isn’t, in their cup.

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Photo: Scott David