Alcohol Use in Dutch University Students

Alcohol is an important part of student life for many students in the Netherlands, even more so after the COVID-19 pandemic. From late-night parties (with alcohol) to early-morning lectures, alcohol consumption brings challenges to student life. Drinking often takes a centre role in students’ social settings, even though this can have (negative) consequences in the short and longer term. Why do students drink the way they do? And how do the consequences of alcohol consumption affect their academic performance and mental well-being, and vice versa?
In this project, with the longitudinal (and ongoing) Healthy Student Life dataset, the bidirectional relation between alcohol consumption and academic performance, on the one hand, and mental well-being, on the other, will be examined in students. This project also dives into the world of student drinking to uncover the motivations behind their alcohol consumption. We are investigating how drinking affects their lives - both positively and negatively - and why risky drinking behaviours such as binge drinking are so common in certain groups, such as members of student associations.
By understanding these patterns, we aim to better help students enjoy their social lives while staying healthy and pursuing their studies.