Survey met with hisses and booze

Warwick has been placed as one of the lowest in a university drinking survey, coming 52nd out of 68 universities across the country.

Student Beans asked 2,027 students who drink alcohol how many units per week they drink. The survey showed the average Warwick student drinks 14.7 units per week, compared to 26.7 at Leeds Metropolitan University who topped the ranking.

Despite the comparatively low ranking, Welfare Officer Izzy John still thinks alcohol is a concern at Warwick: “The dangers of drinking are really profound, and its effects are sometimes fatal. The problem is that students don’t think it will happen to them.”

Derek Hatley, a First Aid Steward in the Copper Rooms, thinks Warwick is neither worse nor better than any other universities. “There are always a few clubs and groups whose drinking culture might be excessive, but these are definitely the minority.”

Hatley also added that on a busy night such as Skool Dayz, the Copper Rooms will be packed with around 1,800 people and first aiders might only deal with fifteen who have drunk too much, which, he says, is a tiny percentage.

Second-year Biomedical Science student Pav Mann said she thinks Warwick is “quite tame”.

Many students say they feel peer-pressured to drink excessive amounts in societies. One first-year student, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “I wanted to join a sports club but was put off by the horror stories and rumours that circulated around campus about circles. I don’t want to feel I have to drink excessively to fit in.”

John said societies should make an effort to run socials that are not alcohol-based.

Hannah McGown of the Ladies’ Hockey Club does not think peer-pressure is an issue at circles: “In Hockey, nobody is forced to drink unless you’re known to be a heavy drinker. The atmosphere in circles is really fun and really lively.”

Thomas Hatton, President of the Real Ale Society, thinks drinking societies promote sensible drinking. “At Warwick, there isn’t a great deal of alcohol abuse on a large scale. There are the obvious features of student life such as a few heavy nights within the term which, although fuelled by alcohol, are of a good-natured character.”

John added that she has plans for a drink awareness campaign next term.