Unis need more drink-free events, urges student

As thousands of students plunge into the social whirl in reopened universities this month, one who says he felt pressure to drink is calling for more events without alcohol.

Gwydion Outram, who studies at Bangor University, said it was costly financially and psychologically, and universities "should put more emphasis on alcohol-free events."

"Students could feel they are being pushed to drink in order to socialise," he said.

Campaign group Alcohol Change UK said it can be hard for student unions to organise alcohol-free events, and the Welsh government urged everyone starting university to "make healthy choices, drink responsibly and reduce their alcohol consumption".

Freshers' week is often full of activities that include alcohol, like punch party and freshers' crawl.

Some students say they can feel that socialising without alcohol is impossible.

"When I joined in freshers' week, there was a bit of pressure to drink alcohol in order to mix with people but I don't drink and I have to say that my friends understand that," said Gwydion.

"I think universities should put more emphasis on alcohol-free events – it's a great way for everyone to get to know each other without having to drink."

"My friends and I enjoyed sports like seven-a-side football, and events like that are a great way to have fun and socialise without the pressure to drink," he said.

Andrew Misell, director of Alcohol Change UK in Wales, said there had been an increase in the number of young people who decided to give up drink in recent years.

The "significant increase in premium non-alcoholic drinks markets" is partly responsible for that, according to Mr Missell.

But he admitted it could be difficult for student unions to organise alcohol-free events, with pubs and clubs still a draw for many.

"It is easy to understand the pressure on student unions to offer events that include alcohol, as they compete with these places.

"However, it is worthwhile for unions to experiment with alcohol-free events, as some students may be avoiding social events due to the presence of alcohol."

Elain Gwynedd, president of Aberystwyth's Welsh Students' Union (UMCA), acknowledged the big role alcohol plays in university social life but said that drinking is not pushed on any student in Aberystwyth.

"During freshers' week, we organise alcohol-free social nights such as trips to Ikea and games nights," she said

Elain said it was possible to provide for students who want to join social life, with or without alcohol.

"It is important to ensure that all students feel comfortable, whether they are participating in events that involve alcohol or not."

Gwydion said that with more young people rejecting alcohol, it was clear that universities needed to create social environments that reflect this change.

"More alcohol-free events would not only reduce the pressure on students to drink, but also promote a more inclusive and balanced social environment for everyone," he added.

"This is something positive towards encouraging a healthier and more inclusive lifestyle for a new generation of students."

A spokesperson for the Welsh government said it encouraged "everyone, including young people and any other new students starting university in September, to make healthy choices, drink responsibly and reduce their alcohol consumption".