Written by: Alessi

Edited by: Grace

Visual by: Audrey

“Are you going?”

“Where?”

“To the party.”

Conversations like this echo throughout the hallways, especially as Halloween, the unofficial highlight of many students’ calendars, approaches. However, late-night parties with pounding music and a crowded dance floor are common enough in high school that some have raised concerns about whether party culture here has gone too far, especially given their frequency, exclusivity, and occasional reports of drinking. 

Party culture, as defined by the National Institute of Health, refers to frequent social gatherings centered on music, conversation, and often drinking alcohol. Given that party culture is inevitably present in most international high schools, what sets ISM apart from the rest? 

“In my old school, a lot of people knew ISM for their upperclassmen hosting big parties, rather than just attending them. But I don’t really think you will be judged if you don’t go,” shared Isa (9). Isa’s observation points to a facet of party culture in which students rent venues (bars, restaurants, or other event spaces) to host their own parties. However, others view the situation differently. “There’s definitely a lot of parties,” argued a junior. “I always hear ‘popular friend groups’ going out to parties, and sometimes we feel left out.” These contrasting views reveal how perceptions of party culture differ across grade levels and friend groups. To some, it’s simply a part of an average teenage social life; to others, it’s an unspoken norm that determines who belongs where.

While parties are not inherently negative, some students note that student-hosted events like these can create exclusivity, as invitations are often limited. The power to decide who attends lies with the hosts. A sophomore who chose to remain anonymous shared, “I feel like if you want to get invited, you either have to have an older sibling or be friends with upperclassmen. Without either of those, there’s no way you’re getting in.” This frustration highlights how some individuals believe that social circles and family connections can influence access to opportunities. 

However, not all students view this as unfair. Jake (9), another ISM student, explained, “It’s understandable, because you obviously can’t invite everyone, and hosts are going to have to invite their own friends to their party anyway.” His perspective suggests such exclusivity might be less about social hierarchy and more about practicality, highlighting that guest lists and invitations are simply about not enough room in one venue for everyone to come.

Still, exclusivity is only one aspect of party culture. Once you walk through the doors, another aspect reveals itself: drinking.

Alcohol, for one, is common. According to the National Library of Medicine, 61% of parties hosted by 18-year-olds reported alcohol being present. 

“No one is really forcing anyone to drink, unless you’re really good friends and comfortable with that,” commented another senior. “But even though you aren’t necessarily forced to drink, it is usually looked upon highly for being cool or mature.” This answer shows that while drinking is rarely forced, social perceptions can make it seem appealing to some students. 

At the end of the day, ISM’s party culture is truly what you make of it. To some, the exclusivity of invite-only lists and the presence of alcohol reinforce the idea of ISM’s “party school” label. However, to others, these gatherings are just like any other high school parties; certain friend groups gather to celebrate, socialize, and have fun. 

So, when the inevitable hallway conversation begins—“Are you going? “Where?” “To the party.”—Just know that saying yes means more than attending a simple gathering. Rather, you are saying yes to what could be the most glamorous, exclusive, and complicated night of your life.