Increasingly more research is being conducted into the effects of the pandemic, including among students. Researchers have examined, among other things, their alcohol and drug use during lockdown, when, for example, they could no longer go out. Various studies show that the use of alcohol in particular appears to have decreased overall, while the use of some drugs appears to have increased. This raises the question of what we can learn from this. When the hospitality industry reopens, how can we incorporate what we know now into preventing excessive alcohol and drug use among students? Can we shape a ‘new nightlife’, and what would it look like? These are the issues we will discuss.

As an introduction, the results of The Major Nightlife Survey and other studies on students’ current substance use during the pandemic will be discussed, along with the notable findings. This will be followed by a panel discussion with several experts and students (moderated by Jolien Dopmeijer) about shaping the ‘new nightlife’ and how we can ensure that alcohol use remains low while drug use also decreases. Naturally, there will be ample opportunity for discussion and asking questions.

The inspiration sessions focus on practical examples and the exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of alcohol, tobacco and drug prevention and student well-being. The knowledge and experience of others proved highly valuable and inspiring during the past five editions.

Previous sessions

The first five sessions took place in November 2020, which was declared Inspiration Month for the occasion.

  • On 2 November, there was an opening session featuring, among others, State Secretary Paul Blokhuis, as well as stories about cultural change, setting limits on problematic alcohol use and the brain. Watch the livestream here.
  • On 9 November, the topic was international students. Watch the webinar.
  • On 16 November, the topic was ‘working together on a healthy 010 for students’. Watch the webinar.
  • On 23 November, the topic was the consequences of coronavirus for students. Watch the webinar.
  • On 30 November, the focus was on sharing successes and discussing dilemmas concerning the limitation of alcohol and drug use among students. Watch the webinar.

Upcoming sessions

The dates for the next four sessions are already known:

  • 20 September 2021 – Theme: Performance pressure. Register
  • 11 October 2021 – Theme: Guidance for municipalities on students and substance use. Register
  • 8 November 2021 – Theme: Introduction weeks. Register
  • 13 December 2021 – Theme: Mental health and substance use among students. Findings from the national monitor. Register