Staff writer Sabrina Hau explores the drinking culture in student societies at King’s College London.
If you are a student coming into the UK from abroad, what might have been shocking or unfamiliar was the number of activities and social cultures surrounding the idea of drinking and alcoholic consumption. From parties hosted by KCLSU to raves and nightclubs for students during Freshers’ Week, the excitement stems from the buzz and hype attached to these activities, which aim to help students bond and make quick connections. But, how are we as a student body framing the ideas of “fun”, and can we have a “good time” even without the inclusion of alcohol?
This article aims to discuss the drinking cultures within university activities in the London locality and how they contribute to shaping popular drinking cultures among students at King’s College London (KCL).
What are University Drinking Cultures?
To gain a direct understanding of King’s students’ thoughts on this topic, an interview was conducted between two groups of students who fall under these categories: those who are unable to drink and those who choose not to drink. For instance, those who are unable to drink include those with health reasons or who fall in the under-18 category. Those who choose not to drink include those who do not drink due to religious reasons or those who simply do not like drinking alcohol.
When asked about what these students felt about drinking cultures in university, the majority explained their experiences with external pressures to participate in drinking alcohol, or were questioned about their motivations to not drink.
One King’s student highlighted that “I have never been pressured into drinking, but there are always pressures at social events,” speaking on the general interactions they have with people when they express that they do not wish to consume alcohol.
Another student expressed that “Yes, I have been offered to drink, and some people have been slightly pushy, but it was never enough to convince me to drink.” Despite these students’ objections to drinking, there has always been further questioning of their decisions by others.
Similarly, another student voiced how they “always get questioned, how do you have fun without drinking?” They expressed, “It just bothers me that people ask me that question when I tell them I don’t drink.” This highlights the inherent drinking conventions and expectations of students to consume alcohol in social events.
Although it is important to note that these students are generally not bothered by the act of drinking alcohol itself. Instead, they mostly emphasise that their neutrality toward drinking environments stems from their personal autonomy and ability to socialise without feeling pressured to consume alcohol.
One student expressed that “I can still have fun without needing to be drunk, and I have no problem going to the pub with my friends, since I have never gone there with the purpose of drinking.” This perspective highlights a key point: their social interactions and enjoyment are not inherently tied to the consumption of alcohol. They recognise that this neutrality is not always shared by others, which is what causes a subtle tension between students, as the act of not drinking can sometimes feel like a deviation from the norm, even if it is not actively stigmatised.
How are KCL Student Events shaped by these Expectations?
In general, the focus on alcohol consumption at university social events did not emerge recently. Research conducted by Student Organising for Sustainability UK states that “The most common reasons cited by respondents for drinking alcohol are for recreation (53%), to enhance social interactions (50%) and to improve their confidence (26%).” This further demonstrates how much we as students factor in the consumption of alcohol into our social lives.
Furthermore, research conducted by BMC Public Health showed that “On average, each student had 1.7 drinks a day,” further illustrating the prevalence of drinking among university students. These patterns also reflect broader cultural norms at KCl. This demonstrates that the normalisation of drinking activities can shape the way KCL societies and student groups plan their events, often centring alcohol as a key component to align with these expectations.
The majority of students reported that the KCL or KCLSU events that they come across, whether officially or unofficially, often highlight that they are alcohol related events. For instance, large menus highlighting the cheap alcohol prices, images of different alcoholic beverages will often be promoted on social media platforms with the purpose of attracting students to the events. One student points out, “At some events, it is easier to find the alcohol than it is to find the water.”
Students who were in the under-18 category expressed that they often felt it was difficult to find events to attend during the beginning of term, as the majority had an “18+” label to indicate the inclusion of alcohol consumption. Rather than focusing solely on event specifics, such as the range of activities or beverages offered, this recurring emphasis on the presence (or absence) of alcohol appears to play a strategic role in attracting a targeted audience. For example, promotional materials on social media platforms frequently use references to alcohol or alcohol-prominent locations to attract the student body’s attention and traction.
While it is true that some alcohol-free social events exist, the deliberate mention of their “no alcohol” nature suggests that even in these cases, the concept of alcohol remains a central point of reference. This pattern indicates that alcohol, or its absence, continues to serve as a defining feature for many student events, subtly shaping the expectations and engagement of its attendees.
A student highlights, “If there were no label of alcohol inclusion at all, then people would probably not have the expectation to drink or not to drink, and that can maybe help improve the inclusion of student events.” Ultimately, the issue is less about students rejecting alcohol or drinking environments and instead more about fostering a culture that lessens the focus on what people “should” consume.
What can we do?
It is important to note that this examination is not to demonise the consumption of alcohol; rather, it is to encourage continued reflection and inclusivity. When considering the creation of events and socials, there is a need to consider: Why is there such a strong reliance on alcohol as a central feature to gain traction? How can we shift this mindset so that all students feel equally included in the diverse range of student activities?
In an idealistic view, all activities here at King’s should allow all students to feel included and open to joining social events without the stigma around the consumption of alcohol. But change cannot be implemented without the help of the student body. Not only do we need to address the physical presence of alcohol at events, but also the ingrained social attitudes that perpetuate its dominance in student culture.
Therefore, the student body needs to continue reflecting and actively engage in student activities and events. For instance, constructive feedback regarding events is essential and can help with improving the inclusivity of different parities, encouraging more variety when it comes to social gatherings. Students should also feel free to express their personal boundaries concerning social engagement more openly. Not only should we aim to eliminate social pressures, but also determine how students can make meaningful and authentic connections. Furthermore, maintaining openness in discussions about individual definitions of enjoyment is important. Whether conversations need to include topics surrounding alcohol or not, it’s important to advocate for one’s own comfort level and to support others in doing the same.
