I’ve always enjoyed a good party—whether at a house, in town, or wherever the night takes me. Be that a night belting out karaoke at Billie’s or a session at House on Hood. But as I’ve gotten older, experienced more (and ideally become more mature), I’ve noticed the venues, the vibes, and even the reasons for partying have changed alongside me.

After earning a business degree and spending a handful of years at the University of Waikato, I’ve found myself in spaces I never expected. Post-internship galas, corporate Christmas parties, and networking events have started replacing the student house parties of my first years—along with weddings and baby showers. From sipping on bubbles in the Beehive, to drinks at the home of the Chair of the Reserve Bank, as well as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waikato, Neil Quigley. The scene has changed for me.

You can spot the shift in a few ways—the conversations, the dress code, the social cues. Instead of downing cheap shots, it’s sipping politely on a cocktail. The Air Forces and graphic tees have been traded in for dress shoes and collared shirts, and the biggest change? Figuring out that just because the drinks are free, doesn’t mean you should really make the most of it.

Of course, there are pros and cons. At these high-end events, drinks are usually free, and you don’t have to worry about the kind of drama that comes with student parties. But at the same time some things never change. Be careful to remember which audience you are talking to because you may end up at a very different Book Club than you thought, and mutual frustrations still bring people together, whether it’s commiserating over a tough work week or my One NZ Warriors getting smoked in their last game. In any arena, people always love a little gossip.

But one thing I’ve realised is that, despite the suits, black ties, and polished professionalism, the people in these spaces are still just people—no different from you or me, just a little older. They were all once first-years, high schoolers, teens, and deep down they still want to relive the glory days of yesteryear.