The costs of drinking are obviously high, but there are several benefits. Used responsibly, it puts people in a jovial mood. Yet alcohol should never be used as a nepenthe. Drinking out of sorrow just leaves people belligerent. Alcohol is also a great social equalizer.
Many people find that alcohol makes it easier to socialize and enjoy themselves around others.
The decision comes down to the individual. Most will find that it is not difficult to locate alcohol on this campus. But, before deciding whether you will partake or not, I urge you to closely examine your priorities before you make the decision. In the interest of full-disclosure, personally I am not a complete saint when it comes to alcohol, but I do my utmost not to let alcohol interfere with my scholastic goals.