UL considering alcohol-free accommodation

ulTHE 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 Corkโ€™s decision to introduce a pilot scheme providing alcohol-free apartments on campus for the coming year.

John Oโ€™Rourke, general manager with Campus Life Services at UL said: โ€œWe 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.

โ€œWhile 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.โ€

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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 Oโ€™Rourke continued: โ€œIf 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.

โ€œIt 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.โ€

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.