Tuesday, September 16th 2014 | uccexpress.ie | Volume 18 | Issue 2
Image by: Emmet Curtin
Greater alcohol-free accommodation uptake amid successful Freshers’ Week Barry Aldworth News Editor As the 2014/5 academic year got underway, UCC’s efforts to increase health awareness among its students received a boost as a total of 24 students opted to take a space in alcohol-free accommodation. The figure was a significant increase on last year’s total of six students who opted for the ‘dry accommodation’ in the first year it was offered.
In light of the 400% increase, UCC Campus Accommodation now plans to extend the scheme further, through the introduction of a dedicated social programme to facilitate a move towards Wellbeing Housing. Whilst 48 students had originally signed up for the alcohol-free spaces, this figure eventually dropped by 50%, due largely to students changing their mind or failing to fully complete the application process. Of the 24 students who did sign up, the offer was more enticing to women, with 16 females
accepting places versus eight males. The sign-ups come from a variety of backgrounds, with only eight Irish students among the 24 and the remainder coming from countries such as India, Australia, Canada and Germany. More than half of the group are made up of incoming firstyear students, with one second-year student, five postgraduates and five international students rounding out the group. For the students who did accept a
place there were two key factors in their decision. Firstly they either didn’t drink or wanted to avoid an alcoholcentred environment, or they felt the choice would allow them to focus on their studies more easily. Throughout the year the 24 students will also take part in the pilot ‘Living Learning Community’ scheme, which includes a focus on Irish Language and Culture. Verdi Ahern of UCC Campus Accommodation highlighted that the scheme was “about students with similar academic and co-curricular
interests living and learning together in an environment that encourages well-being and social and academic engagement.” UCCSU President Mark Stanton highlighted that he hoped the decision made by these students would assist the Students’ Union in improving relations with local residents.
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