Northwestern University
- Drug Safety

Quick Stats

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

When it comes to drugs and drinking, the general consensus is that students are free to choose what they want to take part in, and there will be no consequences for choosing to be sober. As for drugs, the most common, by far, is pot. If that’s your thing, you are likely to find others to light up with, but if not, there is no pressure to partake. Pot is mostly found in social settings, like off-campus parties, but even so, it’s usually in a back room somewhere, hidden from the general public. The smell tends to emanate throughout the party, but if you want to smoke, you have to go find it. A few students also use prescription “study drugs” like Adderall and Ritalin, but again, if that’s your thing, seek it out. If it’s not, you can go your entire career at Northwestern and never come across it. Drugs like these are used entirely by choice and will never be forced upon those who aren't interested.

However, the ultimate campus drug of choice is alcohol. The social drinking scene is pretty noticeable, and alcohol is fairly easy to obtain for underage students. But the drinking is mostly contained to off-campus apartments or fraternity parties. If you’re looking to drink, just walk into a frat party, and you will find mixed drinks and shots galore, not to mention the kegs and refrigerators full of beer found at many off-campus parties. But again, you choose your experience. You have to go to the alcohol if you want it; it won’t approach you. If you want to drink yourself into a stupor every Friday night, there are plenty of opportunities for that, but if you want a more toned-down experience, you are able to find that, as well.

Northwestern University Student ReviewsWhat's This?

Sort by:

Most RecentMost PopularHighest GradesLowest Grades

Drug Safety at Northwestern University

hgf596

Film and Video Studies '14

3.8

B+

Drinking Is More Popular

Alcohol is definitely a staple at most fraternity or off-campus apartment parties. However, it is easy to enjoy yourself at these parties without partaking in drinking. Personally, I haven't been exposed to or seen any kind of drug scene, but as with any campus, I'm sure there is a population of students that does use drugs. There are pretty strict alcohol policies, but one thing that sets Northwestern apart is its amnesty policy. A student who calls the police to save a friend or themselves will be pardoned for partaking in or being around underage drinking.

Apr 27, 2012

Comment actions: Rate

12345

Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Drug Safety at Northwestern University

WildCat1992

Performing Arts '15

3.5

B

Alcohol Is the Drug of Choice

Drinking is prevalent on campus. Other drugs are used, but less openly. The most common is marijuana, and you can definitely seek out people who smoke it, or avoid it. Some people occasionally use harder drugs, but it's not a big part of the social scene. You're much more likely to get in trouble for drinking here, especially in the dorms. Out at parties, it is unlikely you will get in trouble, and may just have to leave if the cops bust the party. However, fraternities have a history of getting shut down here for alcohol use. There have been more alcohol related hospitalizations here this year in comparison to previous years. Overall though, this campus probably has less of a binge drinking culture than other larger schools.

Mar 10, 2012

Comment actions: Rate

12345

Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Drug Safety at Northwestern University

quickkicking

Journalism '13

3.5

B

Low Key

Though a good majority of Northwestern students drink on the weekends and some smoke weed, there are a multitude of options for those who do not wish to partake.

Jan 07, 2012

Comment actions: Rate

12345

Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

What do you think of your school? Register to submit reviews to let others know what it's really like »

First

Previous

Page 1 of 11

Next

Last

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Name the most popular drugs on campus.

How would you describe the drug scene on campus (not including alcohol)?

How would you describe the social drinking scene on campus?

How much access do underage students have to alcohol?

How does peer pressure affect students’ use of drugs and alcohol?

Facts