JOMO: Joy of Missing Out

What defines the most memorable moments of college? Are they the nights spent in packed bars, the hazy recollections of a wild weekend, or the spontaneous adventures that stretch until dawn? For some students, the answer to these questions changes.

The bartender raised an eyebrow as Manaswini (Wini) Pillai slid her drink order across the counter. “Orange juice is, of course, my go-to,” she said, unfazed. “Bartenders sometimes look at me weirdly when I ask for it at a bar, but honestly, I just like having something in my hand that isn’t alcohol.” For Pillai and a growing number of students, the ritual of holding a drink in a social setting remains–but what’s inside the glass is changing. 

The bass thumps from a house party down the block. A group of students gathers outside, laughing as one clutches a White Claw. But a few feet away, another group heads in a different direction–to a late-night coffee shop, a film screening or just a quiet night in. Drinking culture has long defined college life, but on campuses like Syracuse, a shift is underway. Students are embracing sober curiosity and redefining social life without alcohol. Whether for mental health, fitness, financial reasons or a desire for meaningful connections, they are reshaping what fun looks like.

This trend reflects broader generational changes. The Pew Research Center found that the percentage of young adults who drink dropped 10 percentage points in two decades, from 72% to 62%.

But what does this shift mean on a campus long known for its party culture?

A Different Kind of Social Scene

For some students, reducing alcohol isn’t about abstinence–it’s about intention. Aiden Kwen, a graduate student in Advanced Media Management, felt the change firsthand.

“In undergrad, drinking was just what everyone did,” Kwen said. “But now, I have more responsibilities, and I just don’t enjoy it as much.”

This shift isn’t isolated. A Berenberg Research study found that Gen Z drinks 20% less than millennials did in their late teens and early 20s.

“I grew up in a household where alcohol just wasn’t a thing, and I never felt like I was missing out,” said Hannah Catalino, an undergraduate student. “Now in college, my friends respect that, and I don’t feel pressured.” Catalino’s attitude is reflected in broader trends, with research showing that 75% of Gen Z drinkers limit alcohol intake on nights out.

Pillai experimented with drinking before deciding it wasn’t for her.

“I’ve been to parties, I’ve done the whole drinking thing,” Pillai said. “And honestly? I don’t feel like I’m missing a thing.”

Some students are replacing alcohol-fueled nights with new traditions: coffee shop hangs, group hikes or game nights where the competitive spirit isn’t fueled by shots but by strategy. Others still attend parties but with a non-alcoholic beverage in hand, observing rather than indulging.

“My friends and I have game nights where no one is drinking, and it’s just as fun,” Catalino said. “I don’t think alcohol is necessary for a good time.”

Reevaluating the Party School Label

At a school long known for its party culture, has the definition of a “good time” started to shift? Kwen believes that culture is evolving.

“A lot of people still go out, but students are realizing they don’t need to drink heavily to have fun,” he said.

The shift isn’t necessarily about total sobriety–while alcohol consumption is declining, some students are simply swapping one substance for another. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that marijuana use among young adults aged 19-30 is at an all-time high, reflecting changing attitudes toward substances.

The Financial and Health Wake-Up Call

For many, skipping drinks is as much about economics as it is about well-being. A Mintel study found that 41% of Gen Z consumers prioritize saving money over drinking. 

“It’s expensive,” Catalino said. “I’d rather spend my money on something else, like travel or a nice dinner, instead of dropping $50 on drinks in one night.”

Mental health awareness is also reshaping behavior. The World Health Organization (WHO) has linked alcohol to 200+ health conditions, including cancer and liver disease. Younger generations, raised with greater access to health information, are increasingly conscious of these risks.

“One thing that going sober taught me was the joy of missing out,” Pillai said. “People always talk about FOMO, but I see it differently now. There’s nothing I’m missing out on–just more experiences where I can be present, enjoy myself, and remember the night.”

A Redefined College Experience

While Syracuse still has its share of parties, sober curiosity is shaping a new norm.

Pillai echoed the sentiment: “At the end of the day, it’s just a choice. And for me, I’d rather remember my nights.”

This cultural shift doesn’t mean the end of nightlife–it just means students are rewriting the rules. The glow of a crowded dance floor, the unfiltered joy of a karaoke sing-along, the excitement of meeting someone new — none of these require alcohol. But is this shift here to stay, or will alcohol make a comeback?