Lori Meadows
Partying is a significant aspect of the university experience, and international students are no exception. With varying legal drinking ages and cultural norms worldwide, the party scene differs across borders. For instance, in the US, drinking until you blackout is common at college parties, whereas in Germany, 'social drinking' or drinking in a restrained manner while socialising, is the norm. International students bring their unique cultural backgrounds and perspectives to these social gatherings, enriching the overall university experience. The choice of partying venues also varies, from house parties to bars and fraternities, and some universities are known for their vibrant Greek life and fraternities, attracting international students seeking a dynamic social scene. While Thursday is a popular party night in many European countries, the day of the week can vary, with some universities known for their Wednesday or Tuesday night festivities. Ultimately, the decision to party and the style of partying depends on the individual student's preferences, cultural background, and the legal and cultural context of their host country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Partying as an international student | Can help with culture shock and integration |
| Can be expensive | |
| May affect academic performance | |
| Drinking laws vary by country | |
| US parties involve heavy drinking and dancing with strangers | |
| German parties involve more restrained "social drinking" and dancing with acquaintances |
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What You'll Learn
International students in the US
The culture of partying and binge-drinking at US colleges can be a significant added expense for international students, and a distraction from their studies. However, for extroverts, a party school could be a good way to integrate into campus life and access great events, from sporting games to Greek life.
The majority of international students are not aware of party affiliations in the US, and political affiliation does not seem to impact their decision about where to study. However, the implications of policy decisions do matter to international students, and the Trump administration's recent actions targeting higher education have caused significant uncertainty for international students in the US.
In the 2023-24 school year, there were more than 1.1 million international students in the US, comprising about 6% of the US higher education population. International students bring billions of dollars a year to the US economy, and many end up immigrating to the US after graduation, contributing to the economy for decades.
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International students in Germany
Germany is a popular study destination for international students, with a total student population of 2.8 million, including 469,485 international students as of 2023/2024. The country offers various benefits for international students, including low tuition fees, diverse scholarship opportunities, and the opportunity to work part-time during their studies. Additionally, international students can stay in Germany for up to 18 months after graduation to find employment.
When it comes to partying, there are some cultural differences between student parties in Germany and those in other countries, such as the US. In Germany, "social drinking" is common at student parties, which involves drinking alcohol in a civilized and restrained manner while socializing. It is considered important to know your limits when drinking, and drinking until you blackout is frowned upon. At parties, Germans usually only dance with people they know and are on first-name terms with. International students in Germany can expect to attend dorm parties, where drinking and deep conversations are common.
The political landscape in Germany also plays a role in shaping the country's approach to international students. The upcoming 2025 federal election has sparked debates among political parties about immigration policies and the recruitment of skilled professionals, including international students. Some parties, like the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), support progressive immigration policies and emphasize the role of international students in addressing skilled labor shortages. On the other hand, parties like the AfD advocate for stricter controls on immigration and prioritize domestic job opportunities.
Overall, international students in Germany can expect a vibrant social life, including parties, while also benefiting from the country's educational opportunities and cultural experiences.
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International students in the UK
The UK benefits economically from international students, with international fees making up 23% of total income in 2023/24. There were 679,970 international students studying in the UK in 2021/22, with 120,140 from the EU and 559,825 non-EU students. The largest group of international students came from China, followed by India and Nigeria.
International students also bring an outward-looking culture to UK campuses and help to build long-term social, political, and trade links with other countries. Since 2017, 39% of the world's countries have had at least one very senior leader educated in the UK.
However, there have been concerns about the English language skills of some international students and the UK government has introduced immigration restrictions that affect international students. In 2025, the Labour Party proposed measures to make it harder for international students to stay in the UK by taking up low-paid jobs. The graduate visa, which allows international students to stay in the UK for up to two years after completing their studies, will be reduced to 18 months.
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Drinking laws for international students
It is important for international students to be aware of and follow the drinking laws in their host country. In the United States, for example, the legal drinking age is 21, and it is illegal to purchase or consume alcohol if you are under 21. This is true even if the legal drinking age in your home country is lower. You will always be asked for a valid ID when buying alcohol, so it is a good idea to carry identification with you, such as an Alaska ID Card if you do not want to carry your passport.
In the US, it is also illegal to have an open container of alcohol in any public place, including the street, and public drinking can result in fines. This is true regardless of your age. In many areas, it is also illegal to walk along the street with an open container of alcohol. It is also illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and you may lose your driver's license for at least 90 days if convicted. If you are arrested for drinking under the age of 21 or for driving under the influence, this may impact your ability to get a US visa in the future.
In addition, it is important to be mindful of cultural differences in drinking norms. In the US, college parties often involve binge drinking and social drinking is considered boring by some. However, in Germany, for example, social drinking is the norm, and drinking to excess is frowned upon.
Regardless of where you are studying, it is essential to follow the local laws and understand the potential consequences of breaking them. Drinking laws can vary widely by country and culture, so it is always best to inform yourself before partaking in any activities that could lead to legal or visa-related troubles.
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Fraternity parties for international students
Partying is a big part of the college experience for many students, and international students are no exception. Fraternity parties are a large part of this, and they can be a great way for international students to meet people and integrate into campus life.
Joining a Fraternity
Fraternities are social clubs at colleges and universities in North America. They are also known as Greek life or Greek letter organisations because they use Greek letters as identification symbols. Joining a fraternity as an international student can be a great way to meet people with similar interests and form lifelong friendships. The process of joining a fraternity is known as "rushing" and usually involves a two-part vetting and probationary process. During "rush week", students attend social events hosted by the fraternities they are interested in. After several such events, fraternity officers or members will vote on whether to extend an invitation to the student. If the student accepts, they become a "pledge" and begin the new member period, which can last from a weekend to several months.
Fraternity Parties
Fraternity parties are known for being rowdy and alcohol-fuelled. In the US, "social drinking" is not the norm, and drinking to excess is common at college parties. This is very different from the culture in Germany, for example, where students drink in a more restrained way. Fraternity parties will usually serve cheap beer and hard liquor, and it is common to play drinking games such as beer pong. It is important to remember that drinking alcohol is illegal in the US under 21 years old, and it is always important to drink responsibly and look out for your friends.
Pros and Cons of Fraternity Parties
For international students, joining a fraternity can be a great way to integrate into campus life and make friends. It can also be a fun release from the stress of academic life. However, it is important to be aware of the potential downsides. Fraternity parties have a reputation for excessive drinking and casual sex, and it is always important to be vigilant about your safety. For example, never leave your drink unattended and be aware of the people around you. Additionally, the costs of partying can add up quickly, and this can be a problem for international students who are already paying higher tuition fees and other expenses.
Final Thoughts
Overall, fraternity parties can be a fun part of the college experience for international students, as long as they are approached with caution and responsibility. It is important to remember that partying is not for everyone, and there are other ways to meet people and have fun in college.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students party. However, the party culture varies depending on the country and university. For example, in the US, college parties are often associated with drinking until you blackout, while in Germany, "social drinking" in a more restrained manner is typical.
Purdue, Madison, and Milwaukee are often mentioned as having a vibrant party scene, with a strong presence of fraternities and sororities. UW-Madison, in particular, is praised for its balance between academics and social life.
Yes, there are cultural differences in how and when students party. For instance, in Sweden, Finland, and some parts of Europe, Wednesday is a popular party night, known as "mini-Saturday" or "little-Saturday." In other places, like Belgium, Ireland, Portugal, and France, Thursdays are the traditional student party nights before returning home for the weekend.
International students, like any other students, should always follow the applicable laws when partying. For example, in the US, the legal drinking age is 21 years old. Additionally, cultural norms may differ; for instance, in Germany, it is customary to only dance with people you know and have introduced yourself to.
Yes, not all international students may enjoy the typical freshman house parties or fraternity events. Instead, they might prefer events at bars or clubs, which often have dedicated "student nights." These can offer a different atmosphere and may be more appealing to those seeking a different social experience.
