Non-Alcoholic Student Halls

St Andrews University is offering alcohol-free student accommodation from next year.

The move is thought to be the first of its kind in Scotland.

It's been introduced to cater for students with religious beliefs or medical conditions that do not allow drinking.

A spokesperson for the University said:
 
"The University of St Andrews is committed to creating a safe, healthy, and inclusive campus experience for all of our students. We know that not all students drink alcohol. What's more, we believe student learning lasts a lifetime; so reinforcing positive behaviours during this period of development can have a lasting influence.
 
"We're proud that our Students' Association is working to shape new attitudes towards responsible alcohol consumption and making our student experience more inclusive. We want our students to think about their lifestyle choices, and to support the choices of others.
 
"That's why, following discussions with the Students' Association, the University will be offering undergraduate students an option of living in alcohol-free accommodation. The offer will be subject to availability and dependent on how popular this type of accommodation is."

Pat Mathewson is President of the St Andrews Student Association: