Demand for booze-free housing in University College Cork has increased this year, leading to a major expansion of a student wellbeing programme.
Six people signed up for ‘dry’ apartments at the college-run Victoria Lodge student accommodation complex at Victoria Cross when the scheme was announced last year.
However, a spokesperson for UCC confirmed last night that 24 students have opted for the accommodation this year.
“The rise in demand has convinced UCC Campus Accommodation to expand the scheme further by introducing a dedicated social programme as part of a move towards wellbeing housing,” he said.
The news emerged ahead of the annual Freshers’ Week, which sees first-year students marking the start of the new college term.
The spokesman said 48 students initially applied for alcohol-free accommodation this year.
However, half opted out leaving 24 students — 16 female and eight male — taking up the dry apartments this year.
Eight are Irish students, with the rest from France, Germany, Denmark, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Australia, Austria and Canada.
They provided different reasons for opting to live in an alcohol-free environment, including a wish to concentrate on study. Some didn’t want to live within an environment where alcohol would be present, and some just don’t drink alcohol.
UCC’s head of student experience, Dr Ian Pickup, said the college authorities take student wellbeing, and their role in the local community, very seriously.
“I encourage students to enjoy their first week in UCC, but to also be respectful and mindful of those around them in the wider community, whilst also looking out for one another,” he said.
Source: Eoin English, Irish Examiner, 08/09/14
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