UCC to offer drink-free housing

University College Cork is to offer booze-free accommodation to students as part of a new self-policing pilot project.

The university’s campus accommodation unit and its Health Matters group announced the move ahead of the start of the academic year.

It is understood that three ‘dry’ apartments — which can each take up to four people — will initially be available at the college-run Victoria Lodge complex at Victoria Cross.

If the scheme proves successful, there are hopes it will be expanded to an entire apartment block, then to other UCC-run student apartment complexes.

The Cork University District Residents Forum, which has been pressing college authorities to crack down on drink-fuelled antisocial student behaviour in the university quarter, welcomed the news.

“Anything that contributes to mature student behaviour, and to the welfare of students and residents in the area, is to be welcomed,” said spokesman Barry Keane.

There has been a marked improvement in the area in the past 12 months, he said.

“But the real test will come next month when students who are out of home for the first time begin to move in to the other student apartments and houses.”

Under the pilot project, students who would like to avail of the ‘dry’ apartments will be asked to provide a written personal statement, alongside their usual housing application, explaining why they want it.

Applications will be screened before tenants are selected. A college spokesman said they expect a good uptake.

College authorities said they have launched the initiative for several reasons but cited a 2010 study which revealed concerning levels of alcohol consumption among UCC students. It found just over 45% of males and over 44% of females reported binge drinking more than once a week.

The study led to the development of the university’s alcohol action plan, which included 20 specific action points to help reduce alcohol-related harm among students.

Students can apply to be considered under the scheme by contacting [e-mail], or by phoning 021 4941200 or 021 4818452.