Before heading out
Drinking doesn't have to be a way of life at university, you can still have an active, hangover-free social life.
Eating isn’t cheating
Food helps slow the absorption of alcohol, stopping it going to your head too quickly, so now’s the time to put those student cooking skills to the test. Carbs or protein such as pasta, potatoes and chicken are good to eat before or while you're out drinking. They’ll keep you full, and the slow release of energy will help you last the distance. You’ll be more tempted to avoid that guilty 2am kebab or chips too.
Drinking before you go out?
If you drink too much, too early, you’re much more likely to miss out on the proper night. There’s nothing wrong with waiting until you’re out to have your first alcoholic drink – mocktails are a great way to start the night. But if you and your new housemates have all got some pre-drinks in, alternate them with some water or soft drinks so you stay hydrated for the night ahead.
Keep an eye on your home pouring too, especially when it comes to spirits. Pub/bar single shot measures are 25ml, which doesn’t look like a lot in a glass so don’t be fooled into over-pouring. Why not order one of our alcohol unit measure cups for your new digs? Or, if you'd like to keep better track of how many units and calories you're consuming, try using our free Drinkaware: Track and Calculate Units app.
Where do I live again?
It’s easy to lose your bearings if you’re somewhere relatively new. If you’re going to be drinking alcohol, plan your journey while you've got a clear head and you've got a better chance of making it home quickly and safely. If there's a last train, set a reminder on your phone so you don't get side-tracked. Know where the buses stop and whether you need a ticket before you get on. Book a cab to save yourself a long wait; have a licensed cab number ready, just in case.
How did I spend that much?!
Ever had that sinking feeling in the morning, when you see the pile of receipts for drinks you don’t remember buying? That’s the last thing you want to wake up to when you know your student loan’s got to last. So why not leave your card at home and only take as much cash as you want to spend. Make sure you keep some in a separate pocket for getting yourself home safely too.