Greater alcohol-free accommodation uptake amid successful Freshers’ Week
[dropcap style= boxed]A[/dropcap]s 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.
24 students take alcohol-free option
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 first-year 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 alcohol-centred 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.“In previous years a number of residents, including young families and older people, have been kept up by students and others returning from town late at night.“This year, the message we are trying to send out to students is simple – 'you wouldn't like it if your grandparents were being kept up at night, so don't do it to others’. We want students to stop and think about their neighbours during Freshers' Week and throughout the whole year.”Stanton’s plea for students to consider the impact of their behaviour may have on residents during Freshers’ Week was seemingly heeded by the UCC population. Superintendent Barry McPolin of An Garda Síochána stated that whilst a total of 12 student arrests were made during the week, not all of these involved UCC students and in general most people were well behaved.
12 student arrests made last week
“In general terms, the week was quite positive from a policing perspective,” stated McPolin, before adding that whilst one arrest was made in relation to assault, the majority were due to “drunkenness or more boisterous behaviour.”While McPolin did allude to the added challenge faced by Gardaí due to Freshers’ Week clashing with the Junior Cert results night, he thanked the UCCSU for its efforts in limiting anti-social behaviour, as well as the Student Community Support service. By having the service around Cork City during the week, McPolin highlighted that Gardaí were able to avoid wasting time with minor matters and were instead able to focus on the larger challenged presented by the week.“I want to thank the Students’ Union as well as all the relevant bodies within UCC for their work in making the week a great success.”Image by: Emmet Curtin.