Policy on the misuse of alcohol
The University recognises that drinking can be an enjoyable and harmless feature of student life, and it has no wish to discourage sensible drinking. For many, socialising in college bars or pubs is all part of the student experience. The vast majority of students are adults and therefore legally free to consume alcohol in the same way as others. Nonetheless, the University is concerned to try to protect students from the harmful effects of excessive drinking, whether physical, social or academic.
- Recommended levels of consumption
- Risks of alcohol
- Education and publicity
- College bars
- Disciplinary procedures
- Advice & support
Recommended levels of consumption
The overconsumption of alcohol can damage health, both in the short term and long term, and all students should be aware of the medically recommended maximum levels of consumption. These are 21 units for men and 14 units for women, spread across a week, (i.e. 3-4 units per day for men, 2-3 units per day for women). It is also recommended that you should have 2 or 3 alcohol-free days every week.
What is a unit?
The standard definition is that a unit is half a pint of beer or one glass of wine or one measure of spirits. However, since that definition was derived both the strength of drinks and standard measures have increased, making it is easy to underestimate your consumption. If drinking wine, a 125ml glass of wine (strength ABV 8%) will provide one unit. However, many pubs and restaurants more commonly serve wine in 175ml or 250ml glasses, and most wine is now 11-12% ABV. Consequently your standard glass of wine is likely to contain more than 2 units. Similarly, a stronger beer or lager may contain as many as 5 units per pint, not 2, and if drinking spirits at home, you are likely to pour double or triple measures as standard.
Risks of alcohol
Alcohol is a common factor in anti-social behaviour and in accidents leading to physical injury. You are more likely to engage in unprotected sex when drunk, with the consequent risks of unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease or HIV infection. It can also increase your vulnerability to assault, including rape. Both male and female students should also be aware of the danger of "date-rape drugs" or "drink spiking" (even if you are drinking a soft drink). You should not leave drinks unattended and if you have even the slightest suspicion that your drink has been tampered with, do not drink it. Thames Valley Police has published tips for safer drinking and safer nights out.
Heavy drinking can also impair academic achievement. While extreme cases of drunkenness may come to the attention of college authorities, the more subtle effects of repeated overdrinking on a student’s academic performance - missed tutorials, poor concentration, late submissions - may go unrecognised.
Education and publicity
The University undertakes regular education and publicity to raise awareness of the health and other risks associated with the misuse of alcohol. It has participated in an alcohol awareness campaign in which publicity material warning of the consequences of excessive drinking was provided to all freshers. The Committee on Student Health and Welfare has organised seminars for staff involved in student welfare, providing opportunities to hear from outside experts and to exchange views on the best way to deal with the problems associated with drunkenness such as excessive noise.
College bars
The Committee on Student Health and Welfare conducts a survey of college bars every two years to monitor prices, opening hours and management arrangements. The committee recommends that prices should be low enough to encourage students to drink in college, but not so low as to encourage excessive consumption; that non-alcoholic drinks should be available at a low price; that alcohol should not be served at lunchtime; and that alcohol should not dominate freshers’ events. The results of each survey are circulated to colleges with appropriate recommendations.
Disciplinary procedures
Depending on the individual circumstances, unruly behaviour caused by excessive drinking, including that associated with finals celebrations, may lead to disciplinary action under university or college codes. Fines are frequently imposed on individuals and groups. Being under the influence of alcohol or otherwise intoxicated is not an excuse for offensive, abusive or illegal behaviour, and may be regarded as an aggravating feature.
Advice & support
Excessive drinking can be the first outward sign that a
student is under stress and needs help. Students can seek support from a
variety of sources within their college (tutor, chaplain, college
doctor,
college nurse) or from the University’s Student Counselling Service.