Nottingham Trent University might be getting its very own alcohol-free halls of residence if newly-proposed plans are passed.
In September an idea was posted on the Trent Students’ ‘Big Ideas’ page suggesting teetotal halls for those who don’t drink, following recent success across other universities.
The suggestion posted on the Nottingham students’ website received 60% of votes in favour of the idea, gaining over 100 likes.
The Student Council are now currently considering the idea, and if the council supports the idea it will be presented to students in a Union meeting vote at the end of this term.
NTSU’s Community and Welfare executive Liv Broad stated: “We have done our research and found that some universities have put it in place and the response was really good – but others were not very well responded to by students
“It may not be complete halls, perhaps specific flats first.
“I am really interested and excited to see it go to the union meeting and see what the students think of it.”
In numbers published by the BBC, Aberdeen University has 30 designated alcohol-free rooms in a block, however, last year only half were filled.
In stark contrast, St Andrews University received over 400 applications for the new style of living, but could only offer 132 places.
A recent study suggests more than one-fifth of young people now describe themselves as teetotal, whether that be due to religious or medical reasons, or personal choice.
Ashley Harrison commented on the suggestion page, stating “I’m a non-drinker but bounce of other people’s buzz.
“Not drinking is a personal choice but you should not segregate people on this basis.”
Aysha Rahman-Roshanara also commented online in support; “I like the idea. I think it will allow students who don’t drink to meet others and feel more at ease.
“It would be nice to have evening activities that aren’t pretty much based around people drinking a lot… Some people don’t drink due to medical/religious reasons so it’s not just a personal choice thing.”
First-year journalism student Emma De Duve doesn’t drink but says she wouldn’t use alcohol-free halls.
“I personally wouldn’t find it useful; I am so used to it being around people that drink.
“I also think there is a stereotype around people that don’t drink, that they are boring and don’t have fun so I think that perception might get worse.
“I like going out and so being with people that like to party … I feel like in an alcohol-free halls people might not want to go out.”
You can vote on the matter at this term’s Union Meeting on Thursday the 6th of December.
By Tia Sanders-Darbyshire and Ashleigh Holland