In this context, ‘uni life’ mainly refers to the alcohol and drug consumption of the students. The rise of alcohol and substance abuse could be blamed on the influx of drugs on the market during the late sixties. However, in part, it could be the fact that former students’ main anecdotes revolving around getting very drunk and high. From this, some university students may find drinking and doing drugs an essential part of their own experience. This may be taken too far by those who decide that their ‘Uni Life’ will be one extended Freshers week. Thus, why Freshers Week tends to set the tone of substance and alcohol abuse.
A national survey by SOS-UK corroborated that 56% of the student respondents have used drugs whilst at university. It is natural that coming to university you experiment with different lifestyles. One that may involve drinking too much and working whilst hungover. This could corrupt the entire university experience as your free time revolves around alcohol and drug dependence, as shown by the 15% of full-time university students meeting the criteria of Alcohol Use Disorder. It can further prioritise inebriation, rather than your studies which is not ideal come exam season. So, experimenting is inevitable, but it can easily snowball into a much greater problem.
The excuse of ‘uni life’can be boiled down to the excuse of just having fun. Some may say the ‘uni life’ fun is inescapable. From university societies offering socials that serve alcohol, to the Students Union putting on events that always involve alcohol. Alcohol is seemingly a social currency. This is not to say that you should always avoid alcohol, but just to consume in moderation and to not rely on alcohol to have a good time. Additionally, it is easy to obtain drugs on a night out. Substances can be used as another route to a fun night filled with different sensations and experiences that alcohol provides. Although drugs are illegal, they are normalised within the ‘uni life’ bubble. Therefore, many excuse their substance abuse problems with ‘uni life’.
To put it bluntly, ‘uni life’ is no excuse for a substance and alcohol abuse problem. It is wrong to blame ‘uni life’ since there are many aspects of the university life that do not involve any substances. For instance, trips to the Peak District, or going charity shopping with friends. Those within the University of Sheffield that are dealing with a drug or alcohol induced problem can contact the Drugs and Alcohol Coordination Team using their helpline 0114 305 0500. It is important to look after yourself and those around you as it is very easy to fall into unhealthy habits that will not make your ‘uni life’ the best it can be.
