There’s more to college than just getting a higher education. For most students, it’s also a good time to explore their boundaries and try new things.

For some the experience includes drinking, but more students are choosing not to drink, or at least to drink less.

“A recent survey done on campus showed that 18.5 percent were identified as non-drinkers so that’s a third of the students that don’t ever drink” Dave Hayden, student activities specialist, said.

“Each year the proportion of non-users increases,” he said.

The survey, taken every few years, was quoted from undergraduates in a psychology and a health studies 105 class.

“Recent spring ’95 results show 74 percent of Iowa State University students average five or fewer drinks per situation,” Hayden said. “They’re not binge drinking.”

In the same survey, 79 percent of the students had not driven after drinking and 85 percent had not been involved in a fight or altercation after drinking within two months prior to the survey.

Hayden said 23 percent of the surveyed students had sleep and studying disrupted by someone who was drinking.

“Those who drink heavily experience significant consequences,” Hayden said, “lower grades, fighting, health risks [such as] unprotected sex, drinking till they pass out, possible alcohol poisoning and drinking and driving.”

There are alternatives to having fun without drinking.

With the Incentives Grant Program, ISU students and organizations can be eligible to receive a grant to help fund 75 percent or the maximum $500 for a substance free event.

“I go out with my friends from [Campus Crusade for Christ] and none of us drink,” Shana Schrock, a sophomore in construction engineering, said.

Other non-alcoholic events include Free Friday Flicks.

Every Friday a new movie is shown. Fliers can be seen around campus in buildings and the residence halls.

For more ideas of things to do, students can go to Club Fest on Sept. 17.

There are more than 500 student clubs and organizations on campus which students can join.

Students can also take advantage of the Lied Recreational Center.

By showing a fall fee card, students can use the exercise/recreation facility for free.

Lauren Flood, a freshman in psychology, said working out at the recreation center is a great alternative to drinking.

VIBES is a group of fraternities and sororities who specifically plan events which are substance free.

Students who want to talk about the issue of drinking can get involved with SADD and Peer Educators, Hayden said.