Drugs & Alcohol
Helping you to have fun safely
While it’s best to steer clear of drugs and alcohol altogether, we understand that you may choose to take drugs or drink alcohol during your time at Leeds. Whatever you choose to do, we’re here to help keep you safe during your time at the University.
We don’t condone the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs or alcohol at the University of Leeds. We are committed to reducing harm by offering the support, resources and education you need to feel safe, make informed choices, and succeed – at Leeds and beyond.
Safer nights out with LUU
Eat before you go out. Don’t go out on an empty stomach! Old Bar and Terrace are great options to grab an affordable meal before a night out.
Drinks alternatives. Our bars offer a delicious variety of mocktails and soft drinks – which are much cheaper than alcohol.
Free water. Hydration is key! Don’t forget to drink water throughout your night out – you can ask for it at the bar, or get it at one of our refill stations across the building.
Wellbeing event reps. Need someone to talk to on a night out? Look out for our wellbeing event reps in their light blue hoodies! They are available for a friendly chat and ready to offer you further support if needed. You’ll find them in the venue, and in a quiet safe room where you can take a break.
Drug testing kits. We can provide you with a free drug testing kit. The kits are available in the Advice Office, on the desk just to the right of that cabinet. No meeting is required for collection, but you’ll only be able to pick them up during Advice working hours: 9am – 5pm on weekdays.
Night Bus. Worried about getting home after a night out? Our free Night Bus service will take you from LUU Foyer right up to your doorstep!
Let's talk
Help & Support. Our Help & Support team are always available to guide and support you. They are a friendly judgment-free team who will listen to you, whether you’re feeling unwell or have any questions about your health and safety. Speak to them at the Help Desk in the LUU Foyer!
Advice. Our Advice team are a confidential and skilled service, dedicated to help you. Their service is independent from the University to encourage you to discuss any concerns freely.
Wellbeing Officer. Our Wellbeing Officer is one of the Student Exec Officers, and their mission is to support your happiness, health and wellbeing. You can always reach out to your Wellbeing Officer by email, or find them in the Exec Office on Level 1 of LUU, and they’ll be happy to listen to your concerns or ideas.
Welfare Activities Exec. If you’re a part of a club or a society, you might prefer to go to someone in your direct circle. That person would be the Welfare Rep – one of the Activities Exec – who is a fellow member from a club or a society, elected by other club and society members.
Forward Leeds. Forward Leeds provides support for adults, young people and families needing help with alcohol and drug use in Leeds. Every term-time Friday between 1 – 4pm, Forward Leeds run a weekly drop-in in Room 3 in LUU, offering free and confidential advice. Whether you’re looking to cut down on drinking, have concerns about substance use, or want specific advice on drug interactions, these sessions provide a great opportunity to access support, address your concerns, and receive proactive harm reduction advice.
University. Visit the University’s page for useful resources and contact details.
Need urgent help?
Help on campus. If you have an emergency on campus or in University accommodation, contact the University Security Services at 0113 343 222.
Help off campus. If your emergency is not on campus, call 999.
Got another idea?
Did you know that our drug testing kits were a student-led initiative? You too have the power to bring new student wellbeing and safety ideas to life, by submitting them to Better Forums!
Your idea will be presented to and voted upon by a student panel and, if it passes, it will become an LUU policy.
