I am going on an official visit in the next couple months. The only thing I’m worried about is my guide. I am a really shy person and I have heard of people being taken to parties and I really don’t want to end up in that situation.
Eh, just be up front and say you’re not really into partying, what other cool things around campus can they show you? If you get a weird vibe from whoever you’re staying with just because you said you don’t want to go out then that should probably tell you something about what the people on the team are like. The key though is to not be a prude about it, regardless of your personal feelings/upbringing, and act like you’re above going out or whatever. I and I’m sure plenty of other people would be totally cool with someone saying they don’t want to go to a party but if you act like you’re better than us just because you said no then that’s not exactly going to put you in a favorable light.
Bottom line, it’s up to you to speak up and say “no thanks” if you don’t want to do something. You’re a big kid now so use your words. Do some research ahead of time and see if there’s anything happening on campus or around town while you’re there that you could go check out. Then you can either suggest that immediately or propose it as an alternative if going to a party gets brought up first.
Personally, this is what I think: I’m not going to begrudge anyone who wants to go out and have a good time while they’re on campus (and away from their parents) but this official visit is your chance to see the school through the eyes of someone who actually goes there. You might as well take advantage of that while you can. There will be plenty of opportunities to drink shitty beer in dingy frat house basements once you’re actually in school.
