It is now widely thought that Generation Z, also known as Gen-Z, does not drink as much as the generations that came before us. However, a closer look at the reality in Bristol reveals that this notion may not be entirely accurate. There is a common perception that Gen-Z prefers to spend their time on activities such as brunching, running, and streaming TV shows over indulging in heavy drinking. But, as we will explore, this is not the case in Bristol. Perhaps I was looking in the wrong places, or maybe this trend does not exist at all. According to recent reports, a significant number of young people in the UK do not drink. In February, The Times reported that 40% of young people do not drink, while The Guardian stated that 28% do not drink. The BBC also stated that Gen-Z is “snubbing alcohol”. While some people seem to think that being sober is not a “proper” university experience, it is not necessarily true. Many Gen-Z students are choosing to be sober, and their experiences are just as fulfilling. One student, Emma*, who is a second-year psychology student, has made a conscious decision to be sober. She previously frequented pubs and clubs, but has since found that being sober has allowed her to make the most out of her university experience. She enjoys having clear-headed Saturday mornings and exploring the city with her friends without the influence of alcohol. Emma also shared her experiences of losing friendships due to her sobriety. She realized that many of her friends had built relationships based on drinking and partying, which made it difficult for her to connect with them on a deeper level. However, she believes that she has found new friendships that are just as meaningful, but without the reliance on alcohol. Another student, Billie*, who is also an avid socializer, expressed her desire to give up drinking after graduation. Her statement highlights the pressure many students feel to drink at university, and the fear of missing out (FOMO) that comes with it. However, it also reveals that many students are willing to resist this pressure and make choices that prioritize their health and well-being. In Bristol, there are attempts to promote sober social gatherings, such as coffee shop meetings and outdoor activities. However, these events are often met with resistance from students who are accustomed to a more traditional drinking culture. The narrative that sobriety is “uncool” is a major obstacle to change, and it’s time to challenge this notion. Speaking to my sober friends and coursemates, they emphasized the importance of spending time with friends and enjoying activities that bring them joy, rather than feeling pressured to drink. They believe that time at university is defined by the people you spend it with, not by the substances you consume. The normalized rhetoric surrounding alcohol and the idea that drinking is an essential part of the university experience is damaging. It’s time to rethink this narrative and consider the impact it has on students who choose to abstain from drinking. As Emma and other students vouch, a more fulfilling university experience is possible, and it’s time to recognize this.

Benefits of being sober

• Clear-headed mornings
• More time and money to explore the city
• Improved mental health
• Increased sense of community among sober students

Challenges of being sober

• Loss of friendships due to sobriety
• Feeling left out of social events
• Pressure to conform to a traditional drinking culture

Reclaiming the narrative

• Challenging the notion that sobriety is “uncool”
• Promoting sober social gatherings
• Encouraging students to prioritize their health and well-being

Conclusion

The myth of the sober Gen-Z is a complex issue, and it’s time to challenge the narrative that sobriety is not a “proper” university experience. By exploring the experiences of students like Emma and Billie, we can see that being sober is not only possible but also fulfilling. It’s time to rethink the way we talk about university culture and prioritize the well-being of all students, regardless of their drinking habits.