Students from various countries have very specific stereotypes about student parties. Student parties in the US are legendarily awesome, while those held in Germany are… okay.
Regardless of where you are, it is essential that you always follow the applicable law whenever you are partying as a student. Therefore, remember that it is illegal to consume alcohol under 21 in the US. Let’s assume for the purposes of this post that you can legally consume alcohol.
I am of the opinion that happiness can only be real if it is shared and, just as importantly, if it is remembered. So, if your idea of a good time is to drink until you blackout on weekends, then the US is the place for you (although, dear reader, I believe that happiness is only real when it is shared). Therefore, you can have fun anywhere, because no matter where you are, there will always be people who will join in.
My observations of the differences between college parties in America and Germany are summarized below.
1. Drunkenness That Induces Coma
It is a sign of a good party in the United States; it is a sign of a person without limits in Germany. It’s normal and even expected to drink to your limit at college parties in the US. Vomiting after excessive drinking is seen very negatively in Germany. Hence, if you plan on partying in Germany, be sure to keep your consumption within reasonable limits.
2. Drinking in Social Situations
When it comes to social drinking, we mean drinking in a civilized way and with some restraint while socializing. This is a pretty uncommon occurrence in America, especially at parties for college students. Most student parties in Germany will probably take the form of social drinking. The stereotype of the drunk guy (or “American” for short) is not something we want to be associated with.
3. Dancing
It is legal in the US to dance with anyone at a college dorm party (so long as the other person does not specifically object). Germans only dance with each other if they already know each other by name – and if they agree to do so.
4. Party Time
The US has a tradition of parties starting from 8 pm and lasting until midnight. At midnight, those who can drive home and just stay the night do so. If you need to drive home, then do so (although this depends on where exactly you are). I would like to remind you that if you have had EVEN ONE drink, take a taxi or a bus in lieu of driving. It is simply not worth the risk of driving while intoxicated. Furthermore, in Germany, college parties begin at 10 pm and lasts usually until 5 am – beginning with social drinking at a friend’s house, followed by drinks at a local bar, followed by clubbing at a nightclub. Public transportation is used almost exclusively by Germans when they go to and from parties; it is simply safer that way.
5. House Parties
House parties are everyone’s favorite, right? Everyone has different ideas about what the ideal party is. In both the U.S. and Germany, this is true. Have lots of cool parties, not just one epic bash where people throw lawn chairs off a 10th-floor balcony. Get a group of like-minded people together, have fun, be safe, and don’t do Project X.
