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Results from the National Union of Students (NUS) revealed that 79% of candidates agreed that getting drunk is part of university culture. Only 1 in 10 are knowledgeable of responsible drinking. Students often feel pressured to consume excessive amounts of alcohol. This is in order to fit in during fresher’s week. However, recently there has been a decrease in student drinking. This is largely due to mounting debt. Eva Crossan Jory, The NUS Vice President of welfare, commentated,
“The cost of living crisis facing students now also means after bills and food it may not be possible for students to spend on other things such as nights out or drinks.”
Statistics:
Young people today are the most likely demographic to not drink at all. 27% of 16-24-year olds claim they do not drink compared to 21% of the wider adult population. Students who pay high tuition fees are having to ditch the drink to save money. It is interesting to note that in the last year the percentage of young people not drinking at all has increased by 8%. This figure only fell by 5% for those 65 and over.
Reasons:
Yet, money worries is not the only reason for this change in drinking habits. Students are now well-educated about the dangers of alcohol. They are adopting a healthier attitude to life. As a result they are spending four times more on fitness now compared to a decade ago. Student letting app SPCE conducted a survey, which revealed that alcohol is at the bottom of student exspenses and £68 is now the average monthly spend. In addition, the increase in technology has also made it easier for students to entertain themselves for free.
Changes made:
It is due to this new development in student behaviour that several universities are expanding their alcohol free events for freshers. They are calling it ‘Welcome Week’ to accommodate those who do no drink. Leeds student union has incorporated pottery and coffee making classes and Bristol student Union introduced a plant-potting workshop. In addition, University Centre Shrewsbury’s welcome week has retro gaming, rock climbing and laser tag. Furthermore, Hull university has eliminated Freshers Week. They have completely re-invented the entire programme. So much so that one of the campus bars was transformed into an ice cream parlour. Consequently, nightclub hours were reduced due to a lack of demand.
It is refreshing to learn that there is a concerted effort to change and cater for the diverse student population. Although, it is still clear that there is further work to be done. There is still a desire for a wider selection of vibrant alternatives in order to cater for all students tastes, lifestyles and cultural norms.
