Student living conditions were examined across high risk drinking patterns

and showed that the average source of income from family and from grants

were similar for both groups. However,  students who were regular binge

drinkers had a higher average income from work in comparison to others

(Table 24). Regular binge drinkers spend less on accommodation, spend a

similar amount on food, but spend twice as much on alcohol per month

than other drinkers,  148 in comparison to  69.  The average time

allocated to classroom per week was 21 hours for both groups.  However,

regular binge drinkers spent fewer hours per week on study during term

time and a greater amount of time working in comparison to other students

who drank (Figure 18).

Figure 18: Weekly student time allocation in college by high risk drinking

25

21

21

20

15

11

10

9

9

7

Mean hours per week 5

Other drinkers

0

Regular binge drinkers

Average hours

Average hours

Average hours

per week in class

per week in study

per week in job

A significantly higher proportion of those who drank alcohol but did not

binge drink on a regular basis were more satisfied with their health and

perceived their general health as excellent or very good in comparison to

regular binge drinkers. There was no difference in quality of life or

perceived mental health.  Two thirds of both groups were fairly physically

active and a higher number of regular binge drinkers participated in sport in

comparison to others.  Exams, studies in general and relationships were

contributing sources of stress for both groups. However, financial situation

and work outside of college were sources of regular stress for a higher

proportion of regular binge drinkers, while stress from subject demands was

less significant. 

46