NAVIGATING UNI LIFE TEE-TOTAL

“Having friends who respect your boundaries is crucial.”

ore than one in five university students identify as tee-total, meaning they abstain from drinking alcohol, according to reports by The Independent. The survey, conducted by the National Union of Students (NUS), found that a quarter of students felt there should be more alcohol-free activities on campus. M

However, many argue that university culture remains largely alcohol-centered. The Alcohol and Alcoholism journal published an article in 2011 that indicated 61% of male students and 48% of female students surveyed exceeded ‘sensible’ weekly drinking limits. 28% of this sample were reportedly taking part in bingedrinking. Society can be pretty liberal when it comes to nights out.

So, what does this mean for students not so comfortable with drinking? It may seem like a daunting prospect to face university as a nondrinker, there are signs that things are getting progressively easier.

“It’s at this point that you’ll find out even the Conservative Society can be pretty liberal when it comes to nights out.”

Each student’s university experience is different, but there’s no denying that alcohol is a major part of university life for many – especially for those in their first year of study. An unofficial adage is that the first year of some degrees “doesn’t really count”, with final grades made up of second and third-year work, allowing room to overindulge and potentially fall behind on university work. For new students trying to navigate the unfamiliar environment of the university campus, alcohol can be waiting around every corner. An NUS survey in 2018 found that although 70% of student respondents felt people drink to fit in, 41% said they have never experienced this pressure to drink from their friends. Making sure you’re in with a group that don’t push you to drink is essential. Even I, somebody who drinks semi-regularly, can appreciate that my friends aren’t the type to pressure me into drinking more than I want to. Having friends who respect your boundaries is crucial.

If you’re looking to get involved with a society, chances are you’ll find yourself signing up for ‘pub crawl’ or drink-related socials. It’s at this

point that you’d find out even the Conservative

The university experience can be an exciting time to try new things, and step outside your comfort zone, but it has to be on your terms.

Useful links

Drinkaware: Visit drinkaware.co.uk for the latest UK government medical advice about alcohol.

NHS: Check out the NHS Leaflet ‘Alcohol & You’ online at web.ntw.nhs.uk/selfhelp/