Dry January: How is KU coping?

Let’s face it, 2020 was probably one of the toughest years for students.

For many, alcohol was used as an escape from mundane lockdown life. But many of us have made new year’s resolutions regarding alcohol, either to give it up or limit its consumption.

Dry January is a legitimate excuse to steer clear of drinking but it’s not always easy. The River asked KU students how are they coping with Dry January.

Anna Smith, a Kingston university student, said: “Although there are no clubs or parties to go to, I still find it difficult to cut alcohol for a whole month especially with the stressful times we’re going through so I think we shouldn’t be too harsh on ourselves.”

Smith added: “If I need to have that bottle of beer or cup of wine I’ll go for it.”

There are advantages to a month free of alcohol. It can improve energy levels, help with weight loss and can make a real difference to a student’s wallet.

Catherine Stevenson, a psychology student said: “I find that when I cut alcohol I tend to save a lot of extra cash so Dry January is always a good opportunity for that especially after spending so much on Christmas related things.”

Despite missing out on proper parties and festive celebrations, spending most of our times indoors has left many of us with a tendency to drink more often than we did.

Oliver Chlebek, a third-year student at Kingston University said: “I found myself drinking alcohol even when I was just chilling on the couch or just watching a movie so I promised myself to take advantage of Dry January.”

There are a variety of reasons why students find it difficult to strictly stick to Dry January.

Amber Wright, a biomedical science student said: “I often drink to deal with my anxiety and stop myself feeling anxious because sometimes I can’t cope with the pressure of university and my job.”

Dry January gives many students the chance to feel better about themselves as it is a way of feeling like you have achieved something and you were able to succeed in that challenge.

If you are still sticking with it then, well done, keep at it. And if not, there’s always next year…

But it’s not too late to start. You can sign up here.