UL considering alcohol-free accommodation

THE University of Limerick is examining the possibility of introducing alcohol-free student accommodation for the beginning of the 2014 term.

The news follows University College Cork’s decision to introduce a pilot scheme providing alcohol-free apartments on campus for the coming year.

John O’Rourke, general manager with Campus Life Services at UL said: “We are currently examining the concept of alcohol-free housing for 2014. This has become a popular campus living lifestyle choice across many campuses in the US in recent years.

“While we do not view that there are issues in the residences on campus here at UL, the interest to provide a lifestyle choice where students make an independent commitment to maintain an alcohol and or indeed tobacco-free living environment is an increasing trend.”

If introduced, it is likely that the scheme will operate on a self-policing basis, similar to UCC, where students will be asked to write a statement detailing why alcohol-free accommodation appeals to them.

Mr O’Rourke continued: “If UL students and in particular the international student community wish to have the choice to commit to a living environment such as this on campus, then we are more than happy to accommodate.

“It is worth noting though that choosing to live in such an environment does not involve close monitoring or policing by residence management. The concept is usually self-governed by the students themselves as it is a lifestyle choice which they aim to commit and pledge to.”

It is thought that alcohol-free accommodation would primarily appeal to students for cultural or religious reasons, as well as being popular with final-year or postgraduate students.

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