Universities are turning a blind eye to freshers’ week 'excesses', vice-Chancellor warns

Universities are turning a blind eye to freshers’ week “excesses”, a vice-Chancellor has warned as he urges institutions to end their “permissive” culture.

Sir Anthony Seldon, vice-Chancellor of Buckingham University, said that first-year students should be offered alternative activities to parties and social events where heavy drinking and drug-taking are prevalent.

“The norm for many fresher students involves heavy drinking sessions in bars, which is inappropriate for many students,” Sir Anthony wrote in a new report titled The Positive and Mindful University.

“Many universities turn a blind eye to excessive drinking, believing that what students choose to do with alcohol, and indeed drugs, is none of their business.”  

He said that universities should “no longer be allowed to continue with this permissive approach”.

Sir Anthony's report, published by the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi), outlines how to create "positive universities" also suggests first-year students take psychology courses that teach them about the importance of wellbeing and good mental health.

Buckingham University’s dean of Psychology, Dr Alan Martin, who co-authored the report said that academic results can be improved when students are less stressed.

The paper  includes 10 ideas for creating "positive" universities for students, including “self-awareness” and “self-regulation” classes as well as providing designated “relaxation” spaces around the council.

“Every student should be taught how to breathe deeply and to control the breath to manage stress,” the report said.

“Students who learn how to relax deeply and practise yoga, tai chi, pilates or other relaxation approaches develop growing resilience and confidence for life.”

It suggests all students should be offered mindfulness classes, as well as a psychology programme in their first year which teaches them skills such as resilience, how to deal with emotions, build relationships and identify and use their own strengths.