‘A cantus with excessive drinking doesn’t belong at the university’

On its own initiative, the Eurekaweek Organising Committee decided to open the beer taps two hours later this year and to curtail the visibility of alcoholic brands during the induction period. A good start, according to the specialists, but at the same time they point out the role of the university in bringing about this cultural shift: “As a university you’re in a position to set an example that could have an impact on students.”

Among young people up to the age of twenty-five, the percentage of excessive drinkers is highest among students. This was revealed in a study conducted by the Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction in 2015. “The emphasis on alcohol as a social lubricant is pervasive among students,” says Marjolijn van de Merwe, a physician at the outpatient clinic for youth and alcohol-related problems at Maasstad Hospital in Rotterdam. She feels that students often think they know how alcohol affects them but observes that, in practice, few of them are aware of the risks of excessive alcohol consumption. For example, five servings of alcohol consumed within two hours could lead to a critical point where you can ‘black out’. And alcohol consumed under the age of twenty-three causes extra damage to the brain.

Marcella Delissen, senior prevention worker at Youz and a specialist in substance abuse among youth, points out the importance of raising much more awareness among students. She sees Eurekaweek as a good moment to make efforts to bring about a cultural shift among students. “The induction week is a good opportunity to spread information on the risks associated with alcohol consumption and promote the idea that alcohol and education don’t go hand in hand.”

According to Delissen and Van de Merwe, changes also need to be made to the traditional cantus evening held in the examination hall. The cantus shouldn’t be organised on the university campus, feels Van de Merwe, making a comparison with her hospital where alcoholic drinks are not served at hospital functions. “Of course, a cantus evening with songs is a lot of fun, but as a university you’re expected to adopt a more critical stance concerning alcohol. As Erasmus University you’re in a position to set an example that could have an impact on students.”

According to Delissen and Van de Merwe, changes also need to be made to the traditional cantus evening held in the examination hall. The cantus shouldn’t be organised on the university campus, feels Van de Merwe, making a comparison with her hospital where alcoholic drinks are not served at hospital functions. “Of course, a cantus evening with songs is a lot of fun, but as a university you’re expected to adopt a more critical stance concerning alcohol. As Erasmus University you’re in a position to set an example that could have an impact on students.”

Delissen can imagine that over the course of time the focus on alcohol has become more prominent at the cantus. She feels the university’s sense of accountability should extend beyond that of just hosting this event and she sees an opportunity to cast this cantus in a different light. “To discourage alcohol consumption, it’s important to offer attractive alcohol-free alternatives.” Van de Merwe: “More beer makes an evening like this less enjoyable.”

Van de Merwe has some clear advice for students, especially those participating in Eurekaweek: “If you want to drink responsibly, don’t drink.” Delissen supports her: “Zero glasses of alcohol consumed would be best, and that’s also what the Health Council of the Netherlands recommends.” If you do decide to consume alcohol, the experts recommend frequently alternating with non-alcoholic drinks, reducing your drinking pace, and only ordering one drink at a time instead of a full tray of beer. “If you feel like you have to drink more because of peer pressure, then spilling most of your beer is an option,” adds Van de Merwe in closing.