Partying is a big part of student culture in the UK, and it can be a really fun, fab way to meet people and chill out. But it can be a lot, especially if you don’t drink or aren’t 100% sure about loud parties. Clubnights, pub crawls and house parties are often the most advertised ways to socialise at uni, but they’re far from the only sorts of social events. If that’s not for you, or you’re not feeling it, it’s ok to suggest something else.
Drink safe
You may well find that at uni, you end up drinking much more than you’re used to, and potentially trying drugs you haven’t tried before.
When you’re drinking heavily or trying something new, make sure you have someone with you who you trust to help you get home safe. If you find yourself on your own, be cautious about drinking more or taking unfamiliar substances – consider calling it a night or switching to soft drinks so you know you can get yourself home ok.
Safer drug use
It’s important to only do what you’re comfortable with. Don’t let other people pressure you into anything, and also don’t push yourself to try anything you’re not sure about.
If you do end up trying a substance for the first time, or taking something from an unfamiliar source, go easy at first, and if possible, take guidance from someone you trust who’s already familiar with it. People who are already regularly using a substance often misjudge how much is a good starting dose, so if you’re given the choice, start with a smaller dose. You can always take more later – you can’t ‘un-take’ something that’s already in your system, and jumping straight into a massive dose your body isn’t prepared for can really mess with your head.
If you’re on medication, check whether it might interact with any drugs you take (including alcohol). Mixing drugs with other substances, including a lot of common psychiatric medications, can have side effects ranging from making both drugs less effective all the way up to severe illness or death. Drugs.ie has an overview of common types of interaction, but if you’re on prescription medication and considering drinking or using drugs, it’s sensible to Google any interactions your specific medication is likely to have before you take anything.
For advice on safe drinking, check out this DrinkAware resource, or look in your student centre for materials. If you’re trying an unfamiliar recreational drug, Release has general advice on safe drug use here.
When nights out turn sour
Even for people who don’t drink, the binge drinking culture at many universities can lead to situations which feel very unsafe – there might be a lot of fights, sexual aggression, or situations where you’re struggling to get your friends home safe. You don’t have to deal with this alone – talk to friends or to student services.
If you find you’re consistently feeling unsafe, or taking on the bulk of the responsibility for looking after people when they’re drunk, and you are just not having a good time, it might be time to make different plans. Just because your friends want to have heavy nights out doesn’t mean you have to go with them. Choose ways to spend your time which are actually enjoyable for you – you won’t be the only person looking for a quieter or less boozy night out.
Alcoholism and problem drinking
Particularly if you’re already feeling a bit shy or anxious around people, it’s easy to find yourself using alcohol or drugs as a crutch to get over your anxieties – and a lot of student life can end up revolving around drinking. In a recent NUS survey, 3 in 4 students said there was an expectation of heavy drinking from other students, and almost half were drinking much more heavily than before university.
Some signs that heavy drinking might be becoming an issue could be that:
- You are regularly struggling to attend lectures or complete coursework because of your drinking
- You often struggle to get enough sleep after a night out, or are regularly unable to get out of bed the next day
- You regularly blow off other plans to go drinking
- You are regularly drinking during the day or on your own at home
- You find you have to drink a lot more than you used to in order to get the same effect, or that you feel ill, shaky or panicky if you don’t drink
- You only feel relaxed or at ease when you’re drinking, or drinking is the only way you socialise with other people
- You’re experiencing a lot of mood swings or irritability
- You regularly end the night passing out, throwing up, or being unable to get home, or often wake up with gaps in your memory
- Friends express concern about your behaviour while drunk, your wellbeing, or changes in your general behaviour
- You feel embarrassed or defensive about how much or how often you drink
If you’re worried about whether you’re becoming reliant on alcohol, it’s usually a good idea to try stopping or setting a limit on how much you drink. If you find that hard to stick to, you might want to consider reaching out for help – your student services will almost certainly have some advice for you.
Check out your local infosite to find out about recovery services in your area.
