Students offered alcohol-free rooms

Students starting at St Andrews University from September will have the option of taking up an “alcohol-free” room, in what is thought to be the first scheme of its kind in the UK.

The flats, which will accommodate four to six people, will cater for students with religious beliefs or medical conditions that don’t allow drinking.

The en-suite flats, situated at David Russell Apartments in Fife Park, are thought to be the first of their kind to be offered at university in the UK.

A St Andrews University spokeswoman said: “The University of St Andrews is committed to creating a safe, healthy, and inclusive campus experience for all of our students. We know that not all students drink alcohol. What’s more, we believe student learning lasts a lifetime, so reinforcing positive behaviours during this period of development can have a lasting influence.”

She added: “We’re proud that our Students’ Association is working to shape new attitudes towards responsible alcohol consumption and making our student experience more inclusive. We want our students to think about their lifestyle choices, and to support the choices of others.”

Earlier this month it was revealed that the US Ivy League college Dartmouth had banned hard alcohol on campus in a bid to boost its beleaguered reputation.