Alcohol
For some students, alcohol can be part of socialising and enjoying university life. If you choose to drink, being mindful of how much and how often you drink can help you stay safe and feel your best. Drinking more than you intended, whether regularly or occasionally, can have an impact on your health, mood, relationships, and studies. Small changes, like pacing yourself, drinking water in between alcoholic drinks, or planning how you’ll get home safely, can make a big difference.
It’s also important to remember that there’s no single “student experience”. Many students don’t drink at all, for lots of different reasons. Whatever your choice, it’s valid — and you deserve to feel comfortable and respected. If you choose not to drink, or to drink less:
- You’re not alone — plenty of students feel the same
- You should never feel pressured to drink
- It’s okay to set boundaries, and to ask for support if those boundaries aren’t respected
If you’d like more information or support around safer drinking, you can visit Drinkaware for practical tips. You might also find it helpful to read about other students’ experiences, such as Fatema’s blog on enjoying university as a non-drinker.
Drugs
Many young people will come across drugs at some point, and experiences can vary. If you’re around drugs or thinking about using them, it’s important to be aware of how they might affect your physical health, mental wellbeing, and overall safety. Different substances can carry different risks, including impacts on mood, memory, and long-term health. They can also sometimes lead to situations that feel unsafe or have legal consequences. Being informed can help you make choices that feel right for you.
It’s also worth remembering that not all risks come from illegal drugs. Some substances sold as “legal highs” or other products can still be unpredictable and harmful. Reliable sources like NHS information pages can help you understand these risks. If you do find yourself in situations involving drugs, some harm reduction steps might include:
- Staying with people you trust
- Avoiding mixing substances, especially with alcohol
- Looking out for your own wellbeing and that of others
- Seeking medical help if something doesn’t feel right
Everyone’s boundaries are different, and it’s okay to say no or change your mind at any time. If you ever feel pressured to take drugs, or uncomfortable in a situation, reaching out for support can really help.
- Change Grow Live (CGL) – Students can self-refer via the CGL website for support with managing substances.
- We encourage anyone experiencing challenges with alcohol and drugs to talk to the General Practitioner (Doctor). If you are not registered for a doctor, we recommend the University Medical Practice which is located close to campus.
There are a lot of support options available to you below:
Aquarius supports young people up to the age of 25 who are affected by substances. If you are using substances yourself, or are affected by someone else's substance use, Aquarius is here to support. Support is free and confidential and can range from a quick question to gain more understanding of substances, through to 1:1 appointments, peer groups, and access to our recovery hub if you need further support. You don’t need to be in crisis to reach out. We’re here to listen and support you without judgement, working at your pace and building on your strengths. Everyone’s journey is different- we’re here to support you in a way that fits your life. You can directly reach out to Aquarius for further advice, support, and information.
As of June 2026, the University of Birmingham has partnered with Aquarius to deliver a drop-in service on campus once a month. At our campus drop-in, you can access: brief support, signposting to services, support with a referral, information on substances and harm reduction, and free resources.
Dates, times, and locations of these pop-up sessions are below:
- 19th June 2026 (12:00-14:00) – The Wellbeing Lodge, Greenheart
- 17th July 2026 (12:00-14:00) – The Guild of Students
- 21st August 2026 (12:00-14:00) – The Wellbeing Lodge, Greenheart
- 18th September 2026 (12:00-14:00) - The Guild of Students
- 16th October 2026 – (12:00-14:00) – The Wellbeing Lodge, Greenheart
Change Grow Live (CGL) is a UK charity that provides free, confidential support for people facing challenges such as drug or alcohol use, mental health difficulties, and related life issues. Change Grow Live offers non-judgemental, practical support to help people make positive changes, reduce harm, and move towards a healthier and more stable life at their own pace.
Better Than Well (BTW) is a community of students at the University of Birmingham who are in recovery or seeking recovery from addiction. We support each other in creating and sustaining an abstinence-based lifestyle during university life through:
- Peer support and mutual aid
- Sober social activities
- #Recovery-focused groups and meetings
Contact Luke Trainor (l.trainor@bham.ac.uk) or Ed Day (e.j.day@bham.ac.uk) for more information
University life is exciting, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Available for ALL registered University of Birmingham students, UBHeard is a free confidential listening support service that gives you immediate emotional and mental health support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
If you’re in the UK, access the free UBHeard service by calling the 24/7 confidential helpline on 0800 917 9379 (Freephone UK*) to speak to a trained counsellor.
As well as access to an online portal, you can also download the free Wisdom App from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) for a range of features including contacting a dedicated wellbeing counsellor using live messaging and video calls. This is ideal for UoB students not in the UK and replaces the international number. Wherever you are in the world, this makes accessing the service easier and more accessible.
- Download the app or log in using this online link
- Enter the UoB unique code: MHA323213 (only required on initial sign-up)
- You’ll then need to set up a profile adding in your details such as name, date of birth and a contact number.
- The icon in the top righthand side can be used for accessibility requirements and if you’d like to change the default language.