I'm a second-year student who still hasn't been to campus. I've heard that people literally force you to drink/smoke at certain social events and it ends up being worth it since it allows you to interact with seniors and form meaningful connections.

While I do not entirely agree with that argument, I just wanted to understand how one is supposed to deal with these things on campus? I have stayed away from it, not because of any family pressure, but because I myself didn't feel like trying it out. Please let me know your thoughts on the same! [also, how does one NOT get addicted to this stuff]

TL;DR
Should I try out drinking to interact with seniors?

For better or worse, college is not like an episode of Euphoria. Nobody will go out of their way to force alcohol or drugs on you, and you can be the life of the party without any intoxicants. You can always firmly yet politely decline any substances offered to you. No friendship that hinges on substance abuse is worth it, and relationships that matter will hold steady regardless of your vices.

I was druggie and the friends that I made back then were some of the worst people I’ve met in my life. I came out clean and joined societies( dance and performing arts). They still remain the best relationships of my life. Not saying all druggies are people with dubious character but the point is that you can make good friends in other social gatherings like societies, sports and study groups as well. For heck’s sake, my best friend is someone i met randomly in the college library.

Cheers. Also no one forces really but peer pressure is real, don’t get into it.

I don’t drink or smoke. When I was in 1st year, a 5th year senior told me I would started drinking within 6 months in college. He laughed and told me he was like me (non smoker & non drinker) in 1st year, but in 5th year could easily gulp down a bottle.

Cut to present.. I’ve graduated college, and although lot of batchmates did start smoking and drinking, I’ve never engaged in those activities. For me, it was a personal choice and while I respect others’ right to drink or smoke, that’s not something that really appealed to me.

There are really a lot of factors as to why people suddenly start drinking - maybe it’s the work pressure, or to get over a bad breakup. For some, it’s the first time they are getting freedom in college, away from their prying eyes of their parents. There’s definitely a bit of peer pressure, but as @Guest said, no friendship is worth it if it only hinges on you drinking with them.

Yes, people might egg you on to drink, but I don’t think even during ragging any senior will physically force alcohol down your mouth. If some senior does ask, just politely refuse.

Bhai aisa koi college nahi jaha mooh pe glass lagakar whiskey pilaatey ho.

So unless you end up feeling a sudden bout of peer pressure, drink it on your own accord and then plan to blame it on others "forcing it" upon you, you would be cool.

There is a large demographic in every law school that doesn't indulge in such substances. This is true for both NLUs and Non-NLUs.
No matter where you go, you'd find your tribe for this one.

Most of these intoxicating substances are just a coping mechanism anyways because its easier to just have a dram of scotch or smoke a cigarette to alleviate stress instantly than to maintain actually productive hobbies.
If you can manage your need for instant gratification as well steer clear with what you call as hobbies, you would be good to go ( In college and after that).

The culture of drinking is worse in Magic Circle firms, or so I've heard.

And I have to say, a glass of scotch never hurt anyone.