From The Student Room

Alcohol is an issue for a lot of people when they begin university. Many have not drunk much before, and others just wish to economise. TSR seems to have a page on student food for freshers, so I thought I'd write one on this more important issue. Whilst there are many people who don't drink, the vast majority do, so I hope this page will become a database of advice for people. --Musicbloke 22:29, 17 September 2008 (BST)

Contents 1 What to drink? 2 Where to buy drink? 3 "I've never drunk before but don't want to be the odd one out" 4 "I've drunk too much; what should I do?" 5 "I drunk too much last night and did something stupid. What should I do?" 6 A final piece of advice

What to drink?

Standard drinks for students are pints/cans of beer, spirits and mixers, and wine. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Wine and beer are more usual for if you're going to a pub or staying in, while spirits and mixers are generally good for going out. As a student you'll probably be wanting to economise, and I can assure you that the cheapest way to get drunk is wine (unless you insist on drinking disgusting things like lambrini or white lightning.) Spirits and mixers will generally cost a bit more.

Where to buy drink?

Freshers week generally involves quite a bit of clubbing and going out. My only advice is to drink before you get to the club. Buying drinks in clubs is stupid and a rip off, and you may as well be drunk by the time you get there rather than spending the first hour feeling sober and awkward while you empty your wallet for no reason. Student bars (run by student unions) tend to be very cheap as far as bars go, and are the best place for you if you like draught beer, but will still be more expensive than buying booze in supermarkets. That said, they tend to be a good place to meet people, and pints can last as long as you want really. Booze from a supermarket is definitely always a good option, and will be by far the best place to buy stuff if you like wine. You can get a drinkable bottle for £4. Don't buy anything for less than that, and look out for special offers. Spirits are also best bought from a supermarket as all bars (even student ones) have ridiculous mark-ups.

"I've never drunk before but don't want to be the odd one out"

Just be careful. Your tolerance won't be great, and you'll get pissed quickly. Don't be pressured into drinking more than you want to, and please please please start slowly. Something that may help (however lame it may sound) is to order a coke or and orange juice and if your mates ask what you're drinking you say "vodka and coke" or "vodka and orange". Remember, if you don't feel like drinking then don't.

"I've drunk too much; what should I do?"

Drink water and plenty of it. Don't take painkillers. If you feel like throwing up then do it at night, as evening vomit is much more pleasant than morning vomit. Open the windows in your room to get fresh air. Try to get some sleep and don't plan anything for before midday the next day. When you wake up, eat something proteinous (this doesn't mean raw eggs. If you like that you're wrong!)

"I drunk too much last night and did something stupid. What should I do?"

Regret it and wait for the embarrassing photos (or for the relationship status change request) to appear on facebook. Actually, chances are, no-one will remember. Don't worry too much. Freshers week is for doing stupid stuff, and at least you'll have a story for the bar the next night.

A final piece of advice

Buy yourself a bottle of port (this is quite cheap and it doesn't matter if it's a bit rubbish). Invite your new comrades round to drink it when the bar closes. They will not only like you, but think you are classy or an alcoholic. Either way you look cool. No, seriously, having a bottle of port in your room is always a good idea. Comes in handy a lot, and can't be recommended enough.