Texas State students overestimate marijuana use and binge drinking, but actual rates are lower.

Getting the lay of the land can be trickier than it looks. You hear about campus life in whispers, memes, and quick anecdotes, and before you know it you start thinking certain things are the norm. Here’s a truth worth leaning into: the 2023 National College Health Assessment shows that actual use of marijuana and binge drinking among Texas State students is lower than many students assume. In other words, the statement “the actual use is lower than perceived” is true. Let me explain what that means for you, right here on the Bobcat Life onboarding journey.

What the data actually tells us

First things first: perception shapes choices. When your friend group or a few loud voices on campus make it feel like “everyone does it,” you’re more likely to think the behavior is widespread. The NCHA data helps separate the rumor from the reality. The survey captures how many students actually used marijuana or engaged in binge drinking in a given timeframe, and it often finds a gap between perception and behavior. People overestimate how common risky behaviors are, which can push them to align their choices with a belief that “this is just what college is supposed to look like.”

Why our brains overstate risk and prevalence

Humans are storytelling machines. If you see a vivid post, read a dramatic anecdote, or hear a friend of a friend describe a wild night, that memory sticks. The brain latches onto outliers—those standout stories—and treats them as representative. Add in campus chatter, social media snapshots, and the way campus life gets framed in movies and memes, and you’ve built a perception deck that doesn’t match the actual deck of cards you’re handed on a Tuesday afternoon in the quad. The NCHA results remind us that the picture is more nuanced than the noise, and that’s a good thing for everyone trying to make informed choices.

Why this matters in the Bobcat Life onboarding mindset

Onboarding isn’t just about ticking boxes or memorizing policies. It’s about understanding what’s real so you can navigate campus life with confidence. If you walk around thinking “everyone’s doing it,” you might feel pressure to join in or normalize risky behavior—even if the actual numbers say something different. Knowing the truth helps you decide what fits your goals, values, and boundaries. It also prepares you to talk honestly with friends, roommates, and colleagues about substance use without judgment—which is a big part of building a respectful, supportive campus culture.

Turning data into practical action on campus

So, how do you translate this understanding into everyday choices? Here are some practical paths you can take—things you can actually use as you move through your first weeks and beyond.

• Rely on trusted sources for information

Campus life comes with a flood of information. Rely on official channels for accurate data: campus health services, student wellness programs, and health education outreach. They’re there to share the numbers in clear terms, explain what those numbers mean for you, and answer questions you hadn’t even thought of yet.

• Know where to go if you need support

If you’re ever unsure or worried about yourself or a friend, reach out to campus resources. The Health Services center, Counseling Center, and peer-led health education programs offer confidential, nonjudgmental support. The point isn’t to police you; it’s to keep you informed and safe so you can focus on your goals.

• Learn how to talk about it with care

A big skill you’ll use long after onboarding is how to talk with peers about substance use in a way that’s respectful and evidence-based. A simple approach works: start with your observations, share factual context from trusted sources, and invite discussion. For example, you might say, “I heard there are new findings about how common use really is. Here’s what I found helpful to think about; what do you think?” It’s less about “persuasion” and more about honest conversation.

• Build your own boundaries and plan

Think through a few personal boundaries before you head into social situations. Decide what you’re comfortable with, what you won’t do, and how you’ll handle offers you’d rather pass on. Put it into a concise line you can say, like, “I’m choosing not to participate tonight, thanks.” You’ll feel steadier when you have a plan, and your friends will respect your stance if you’re clear and kind.

• Get involved in peer education and wellness activities

Campus programs that bring students together to discuss health topics are incredibly valuable. If you’re curious, join a wellness fair, attend a short workshop, or volunteer with a peer health education group. You’ll meet people who share your values, pick up practical tips, and help spread accurate information that benefits everyone.

A friendly reality check you can carry with you

Here’s a quick mental model to keep handy: perception is a filter, data is a mirror. Your personal experiences and the stories you hear act like a filter that colors what you think is “normal.” The data—like the NCHA findings—acts like a mirror that shows the actual picture. When you line up the two, you get a clearer sense of campus life. False alarms about how common something is can steer you away from the choices that fit your life, while accurate awareness helps you stay true to your goals.

What this means for everyday moments on campus

You don’t need a stats lecture to feel the impact. Imagine you’re at a campus event—there are drinks, conversations, and a lot of social energy. If you’ve got the data fresh in your mind, you can:

• Make decisions that match your personal plan rather than the crowd’s pace.

• Speak up for friends who may feel pressured, using facts and calm language.

• Support a safe, inclusive environment by modeling healthy behaviors and encouraging others to do the same.

A few myths, debunked with a practical twist

• Myth: “If it’s not everyone, it’s no big deal.” Reality: The goal isn’t popularity; it’s safety and well-being. The number of people engaging in risky behavior is lower than perception, but that doesn’t erase risks—unplanned consequences can still be serious.

• Myth: “Campus life is a free-for-all.” Reality: Most students are navigating limits, responsibilities, and personal choices. The majority may not partake in high-risk activities, and that trend is reflected in the data you’ll hear about.

• Myth: “If everyone’s talking about it, it must be common.” Reality: Noise isn’t signal. Perceptions can be strong, but they aren’t the same as actual rates. The more you rely on solid information, the better you’ll feel about your decisions.

Why it’s okay to feel curious or cautious at the same time

Curiosity is healthy. Caution is smart. You can hold both at once. You can be curious about campus life, ask questions, seek facts, and still choose a path that aligns with your values. Onboarding isn’t about telling you what to do; it’s about giving you tools to interpret what you hear, verify it, and act in ways that support your wellbeing and your goals.

Where to look next for reliable information

If you want to keep this thread going, here are reliable touchpoints you can bookmark:

• Texas State Health Services and campus wellness pages for official statistics and educational materials.

• Counseling Center for support with stress, anxiety, or personal concerns that might come up in social settings.

• Peer education programs that offer relatable, student-led insights into healthy choices.

• Student organizations focused on health and safety, which can be great places to learn and to contribute.

The bottom line

Perception versus reality is a theme you’ll encounter beyond orientation materials and into your everyday life at college. The 2023 National College Health Assessment reminds us that actual marijuana use and binge drinking are lower than what many students imagine. That truth isn’t a dare to relax standards; it’s a reason to stay informed, connected, and proactive about your health and your friends’ well-being.

As you start this journey with Bobcat Life, you’ve got a built-in compass: real data, trusted resources, and a community that wants you to thrive. Use them. Ask questions. Share what you know with people you trust. And when you’re faced with a choice, lean on the information that reflects the campus’s reality, not the hype of what you think everyone else is doing.

If you’d like, we can unpack this further with some concrete campus scenarios or build a quick, personal decision guide you can carry in your notebook or phone. After all, onboarding is about turning numbers into confident, everyday choices that feel right for you—and that’s something worth getting excited about.