Student Drug & Alcohol Survey 2025: Key Findings and Insights 

A total of 509 students took part in the 2025 Student Drug & Alcohol Survey, with 77% identifying as first‑year students. The study examined attitudes, behaviours, and perceptions surrounding alcohol use, drug consumption, and wider university culture. It also captured qualitative comments about initiations, hazing, and social pressures that shape student experiences. 

1. Student Demographics 

The survey captured a broad demographic group: 

2. Alcohol Use 

Frequency & Intentions 

Alcohol remains a significant feature of student social life: 

36% drink at least once a week and 56% deliberately get drunk before a night out 

76% take part in pre‑drinking in halls or shared accommodation 

80% still feel drinking is part of university culture 

Despite this, attitudes toward drinking are shifting: 

49% are interested in cutting down or going alcohol‑free 

67% say their friends do not expect them to drink regularly 

3. Drug Use 

Prevalence 

Half of all students report that they have never used drugs. The remaining 240 students talked about current or past use. 

Perceptions of Drug Culture 

29% believe drug use is part of university culture 

41% disagree 

49% believe students take drugs to fit in 

Where students use drugs 

70% use at house parties 

56% use in nightclubs 

Frequency of Use 

Among students who currently use drugs: 

38% use cannabis weekly or more 

10% use cocaine weekly or more 

14% use ketamine weekly or more 

29% use mushrooms on special occasions 

57% use multiple substances at the same time 

NOS (Nitrous Oxide) 

There has been a notable decline in NOS use: 

Last year: 63% had never tried NOS 

This year: 77% have never used it 

This could coincide with the law change in November 2023. 

Sexuality & Drug Use 

Trends show higher monthly use among LGBTQ+ students: 

71% of queer students use drugs monthly or more 

4. Awareness of Support Services 

Awareness has grown significantly in 2025 compared to 2024. 

77% of students said they know about available support services at The Students’ Union and UWE Bristol. That is 112 students in 2025 who said they know all about the support available on campus as opposed to 40 students in 2024. This shows the impact and awareness of our campaign messaging. 

5. Key Insights & Emerging Themes 

Alcohol 

Drinking is still seen as central to the university experience, but many students are rethinking habits. 

Peer pressure around drinking is lower than perceived. 

Drugs 

Drug use is widespread but varies sharply by identity group. 

Cannabis is the most commonly used substance, followed by mushrooms, ketamine, and cocaine. 

Multi‑substance use is common among those who take drugs. 

Culture & Socialisation 

Pre‑drinking is deeply embedded in student culture. This continues our drive to do campaigns like Late Night Do it Right, Drink rethink and the Blackout Coasters. 

The perception that students drink or take drugs to fit in remains influential. 

6. Recommendations for Future Work 

We will continue to use this data to inform our campaign work moving forward, and will look to work on the following next year: 

LGBTQ+‑specific drug and alcohol harm reduction campaigns 

Clearer, accessible harm‑reduction information on psychedelics, we will look to expand our drug specific leaflets to include mushrooms. 

Interested in shaping these campaigns in the future? Then join our Student Steering Group to learn more and co-create materials, events and communications around harm reduction at UWE Bristol! 

Email sucommunity@uwe.ac.uk to get involved!