Thompson Hall

What PARENTS Should Know

We hope to work collaboratively with you to help your student make the most of his or her college years. UNH provides a number of resources aimed at supporting you or your student in dealing with alcohol-related issues. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact or refer your student to, any of the the resources found on this site.

Truths that Can't Be Ignored

“College was a very exciting time for me. I was thrilled to be on my own, to be in a new place, and to meet new people. Initially, academics were secondary to socializing... I started out thinking college was one big party. Thankfully, after a while, I learned differently.”

- Colin Baird
Former UNH Student

While our studies show the majority of UNH students do not engage in high-risk drinking, they also show that those who do face significant negative consequences. It’s difficult to predict who those students will be. The University of New Hampshire is strongly committed to student success, and it is our desire to work in partnership with you to initiate conversations with your student around alcohol.

The reality is that alcohol is a drug and we cannot discount the dangers of drinking. Over 67% of entering UNH students report having occasionally or frequently used alcohol in the last year (prior to college), compared to the national average of 51%.* The issue of choices around alcohol is a critical one. If it is not addressed early, students who engage in high-risk drinking not only face consequences while in college, but may also experience negative long- term effects.

“Some parents will find a way to talk with their student in advance about alcohol, while some will just hold their breath and hope nothing bad happens. Hopefully, this brochure will encourage parents to talk with their student on an ongoing basis.”

- Dr. Cari Moorhead
Director of Advising &
Undergraduate Programs
WSBE

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Reality at UNH
In an effort to gain an accurate understanding of drinking patterns and consequences of student alcohol use, the University of New Hampshire has sponsored several studies. Our research shows significantly less drinking in the UNH community than the student-reported perceptions would lead one to believe. The true facts are:

    » 33% of UNH students drink 2 or fewer drinks in a week**

    » The majority (80%) of UNH students party 2 nights a week or less**

    » When students party, the majority (90%) drink 5 or less drinks in a sitting**

    » UNH sponsors a wide variety of weekend non-alcoholic activities that are well attended

    » Students who do not engage in high-risk drinking are MORE likely to:

      • Have higher grades
      • Return to college for a second year
      • Not be the victim of a crime, including sexual assault and dating violence
      • Experience fewer accidents and health problems

“We approached the subject of alcohol with our child very honestly. We knew we needed to manage the challenges, opportunities, and excitement of being away from home and letting our child go, grow, and hopefully make sound, healthy choices. The dialogue we started over the summer has continued throughout the year, and it seems to be working. It has led us to being able to discuss all kinds of problems and issues.”

- Parents of UNH Student

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Conversation Topics
We understand that conversations about alcohol may seem awkward or unwelcomed. It’s our belief they help your student reflect on their hopes and goals for their college career, as well as on the role alcohol may play in their lives. The following topics are only suggestions and may need to be modified for your student. We encourage you to initiate these conversations before your stduent leaves for UNH and throughout his or her college years.

    » When you think about going to college, what do you think your social life will be like? Where does alcohol fit in there?

    » Most students at UNH drink 6 drinks or less per week...how does that fit in with what you are thinking?

    » What would it take to make you think that alcohol was messing things up for you?

    » In your mind, what’s high-risk drinking? What chances are you willing or unwilling to take?

    » If you choose not to drink, what do you think that will be like for you?

    » Let’s reverse roles...put yourself in my shoes. What do you think I should be mentioning now?

    » If you get to the point where you are seriously worried about your drinking or someone else’s, where would you turn and what would you want me to do?


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A Family Guide Brochure
Click here for a copy of the UNH Reality Check Family Guide. (pdf file)


Campus Resources
Click here for a list of campus resources and links.

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Truths that Can't be Ignored

Reality at UNH

Conversation Topics

A Family Guide Brochure

Campus Resources