Our University, in partnership with the Students' Union, takes a harm reduction approach to drugs. We meet and work regularly with student representatives to update and refine our approach.
We don’t condone the use of illegal drugs, or the misuse of prescription drugs. The only way to ensure you aren’t harmed by drugs is to avoid using them. However, we understand that some students may choose to use drugs during their time at university. Rather than simply telling you not to take drugs and hoping for the best, we want to ensure that everyone has the resources, support and knowledge needed to make informed choices and reduce harm.
Simon Merrywest, Director for the Student Experience, explains our move from zero tolerance to harm reduction in a blog post first published in May 2022.
Get informed, get free drug testing kits, know when to get help.
This Policy covers all students registered at the University, including post-graduate research students.
First and foremost, the University will take a supportive, harm reduction approach to issues around students’ harmful use of substances or alcohol, and endeavour to ensure that a student’s future welfare and educational potential is not affected detrimentally as a result of such misuse.
If we learn that a student is using drugs, we'll have a conversation with them about their drug use, check that they're okay, and provide information on the sources of support available to them. The first time a student is found in possession of drugs in University-managed accommodation, they won’t be fined but will be required to complete an online drug awareness module.
If a student requires first aid, a member of our Campus Support and Security or ResLife teams may ask if drugs were involved. This information will only ever be used to provide appropriate medical care and will not be used for disciplinary purposes. If you or a friend is in trouble, let us know.
We've teamed up with Staying Safe, an online drug awareness module, to help you get as informed as possible about different types of drugs and their effects.
Please be advised this link will take you to an external site where you will need to create a login to begin. To use it, you’ll need to ensure that Cookies are enabled on your browser. To access the course, go to Staying Safe. We hope you find this course supports you to feel and stay safe.
We also share drug safety alerts on Student News to keep you informed of any issues in Manchester with mis-sold substances or contaminants.
Additionally, free and anonymous drug testing kits are available to pick up and take home from the Advice Centre on the first floor of the Students’ Union during their opening hours.
We encourage students to take advantage of our on-campus support resources, including the University GP Service and Eclypse, a free and confidential drug and alcohol service for young people in Manchester. Refer yourself or someone else for this support.
We promote student-led initiatives like the Drug and Alcohol Support Group, which provides a safe and non-judgmental space for students to talk openly about drug and alcohol use and connect with others in the community.
It's important to note that while we take a harm reduction approach to drugs, we do not condone antisocial or criminal behaviour. Any student found to be engaged in the supply of illegal drugs will be subject to University disciplinary action and may be referred to Greater Manchester Police.
If you're on a course with professional accreditation, be mindful that many professional bodies have conduct requirements around drugs and alcohol. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with these expectations.
We want all students to feel safe and supported during their time at The University of Manchester, and we believe that a harm reduction approach is the best way to achieve this goal. We will continue to review our approach based on your feedback.
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