Indians favour eating out socially

Karan Menon. Photo / Sarah Ivey

New student arrivals from India Deepak Sharma and Karan Menon say they are shocked at how drinking alcohol plays such a large part in student life here.

Mr Sharma, 24, who came to New Zealand 10 weeks ago, says "eating out together" rather than drinking was a more common "recreation" for students in India - and is surprised it is the other way around here.

"Even my room mate, who doesn't drink in India, is well stocked with alcohol at home," said Mr Sharma.

"He tells me that learning to drink is something to help him with socialising here."

Mr Menon, 23, a non-drinker, says when friends suggest going out, it usually means going to the pub.

"They [my friends] say in New Zealand, everyone drinks, and when they are overseas, they are also keen to do things they don't normally do back in their home country."