Before coming to SMU, I never had a need for a fake ID. In my small town, there was nothing to do besides cow tipping and house parties that were busted by the cops within 10 minutes. SMU was kind of a culture shock. It seems like everyone goes out, parties and is “21.”
I’ve heard multiple first-years say they bought a fake ID months before coming to campus because they heard it was “mandatory” for a good time. Freshmen that don’t have a fake say they tend to feel left out when their friends go out and they need to buy one ASAP.
But have no fear, I survived until 21 without a fake and you can, too!
Although we are a small minority on campus, we do exist, and it’s not that hard to have fun without a fake ID.
1. Just don’t go out.
Now, I know this is a hard concept to grasp for some of you, but not going out is an option. There are movies for days on Netflix and Hulu to watch, billions of books to read and plenty of conversation to have.
2. Go to 18+ clubs/bars.
Now, if not going out is simply not an option, 18+ clubs are. Dallas has plenty of places for underage students to go to and still have a blast. From restaurants on lower Greenville Avenue to different clubs scattered around Dallas, the options are endless.
3. Take a step back in time.
Take a group and go bowling or make a small road trip to Ennis, Texas where the Galaxy Drive-In Theatre is. At the drive-in they boast “movies rain or stars” and they have a mixture of month-old movies to latest releases. Even if you are 21, it’s something to experience.
4. Go dancing.
You don’t have to be 21 to enjoy a good Texas two-stepping dance session at Billy Bob’s or dance down the cobblestone street at the Fort Worth Stockyards. You have to experience seeing real Longhorns walk through a town full of people or go to a packed Country concert before you graduate.
If you’re still reading this and thinking, “Man, Hanan, I don’t know. I don’t think I can survive.” Your years fly by fast enough in college. Take a breather. Slow down, and enjoy this time while you have it because before you know it, you’ll blink and it’ll be senior year. Have more doubts? Come find me, we’ll talk and I’ll take you to dance at the Stockyards.
