St Andrews Uni Offers Booze-Free Student Housing

University is a time that many associate with partying and drinking in between studying for their degree. Sure, you're there to learn and whatever, but partying can make up a big part of your life during this important time. But what if you don't like drinking or partying? Maybe a student doesn't consume alcohol for health or religious reasons, or maybe they simply don't like drinking alcohol. Their experience at university is going to be slightly different then, isn't it? If a person who doesn't drink needs to stay in student accommodation, there is the chance they will be sharing quarters with someone who does enjoy a tipple every now and again. This might not be a problem for some, but for others could prove a distraction. The Universities of Bristol , Cork , and Swansea have already taken the initiative to make their students' experience more inclusive by providing housing for tee-total students. Other institutes in the UK instead off alcohol-free zones where drinking is prohibited. And from later this year, St Andrews University will be taking their lead and trialling its own student housing that will be an alcohol-free zone. Student flats at David Russell Apartments and Fife Park will be accommodating students who don't want to live at party central, for whatever reason. Each flat is capable of housing between four and six people, and will be offered to those who tick a checkbox on their accommodation forms, asking for this kind of housing. The flats are thought to be the first alcohol-free student housing to be offered in Scotland. Pat Mathewson is the President of the St Andrews Students' Association (SASA). He said that the association wants to see how popular these student flats are before deciding to make them a permanent feature or expanding the area. "We're always in favour of anything that will make our students feel more comfortable," he said. "By no means are any students going to be forced into student accommodation they haven't asked for." A spokesperson for the university explained that, of course, they are aware that not all students drink alcohol. The institution is committed to creating a student experience that is safe and healthy - and inclusive - for all, and alcohol-free housing is one way of doing that. "What's more, we believe student-learning lasts a lifetime, so reinforcing positive behaviour during this period of development can have a lasting influence," she said. She added that the university is proud of the SASA for trying to shape new attitudes when it comes to responsible drinking, helping to make the student experience as inclusive as possible. The idea is to help encourage the students to think about their lifestyle choices, while taking others' into consideration as well. The trial will begin from the start of the new academic year, in September. The flats will be subject to availability, which will depend on how popular they are. For more information, why not check out the university's website: http://bit.ly/1D2u9PC