Alcohol and Other Drug Safety and Awareness

It’s up to you to decide whether you want to use alcohol and other drugs — and if so, we’re here to help you and your friends reduce risk.

On this page:

Most UB Students Make Responsible Choices

You might think that most college students use alcohol and other drugs in a high-risk way. But the reality is that most college students — including most students at UB — make responsible choices.

Alternative Activities

We know that many students don’t use alcohol or drugs at UB. Here, you’ll find a full schedule of events where you can have a great time, be safe and meet other students who want to have fun.

Most UB students drink 0-4 drinks per sitting.

Know your limits and set them ahead of time:

  • Keep track of your drinks and pace them to one per hour
  • Avoid mysterious drinks with unknown alcohol content (e.g., “Jungle Juice”)
  • Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Eat before and during drinking
  • Avoid drinking games, shots and chugging
  • Do not mix alcohol with energy drinks
  • Choose a drink with lower alcohol content
  • Use the buddy system to make sure everyone has fun and gets home safely

Stay In Control and Help Your Friends

If you’re at a party and see a friend who’s too drunk or incapacitated to make good decisions, step in and help them. You may be the one person who can prevent alcohol poisoning or even a sexual assault. If you need help — or you want someone else to intervene — consider getting a Resident Advisor, or calling University Police at 716-645-2222 (on campus) or 911 (off campus).

Don’t Want to Drink?

If you’re at a party, just fill your cup with soda or water. Chances are, nobody will know — or care — what’s in your cup.

What Individuals Assigned Female At Birth (AFAB) Should Know About Drinking

AFAB folks’ bodies typically cannot process alcohol as quickly as bodies of those assigned male at birth (AMAB) for a variety of biological reasons, including differences in weight, hormones and enzymes. Regardless of your sex assigned at birth , it’s important to keep this in mind before you start drinking.

How Long Does It Take To Sober Up?

Did you know it can take up to 12 hours to sober up after a night of drinking? That means if you’re out partying at night, you could still be drunk or buzzed when you go to class the next day.

If you violate the rules regarding the possession or consumption of alcohol, you may face university disciplinary action or even criminal arrest. Violations may also result in a referral to UB SAFER, an educational intervention program. Remember — the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) allows UB to notify parents if a student is involved in an alcohol- or other drug-related incident.

If you live in the residence halls or on-campus apartments, there may be additional regulations regarding the consumption and possession of alcohol and other drugs.

Need Help?

Preventative health and wellness education

Health Promotion

Student Life

University at Buffalo
114 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-2837; Fax: 716-645-6234

Primary, non-emergency medical care

University at Buffalo
4350 Maple Rd
Amherst, NY 14226

Phone: 716-829-3316; Fax: 716-829-2564

Short-term on campus mental health support

University at Buffalo
120 Richmond Quadrangle, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14261

Phone: 716-645-2720; Fax: 716-645-2175

University at Buffalo
1st Floor Michael Hall, South Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214

Student conduct rules and regulations

Student Conduct

Student Life

University at Buffalo
9 Norton Hall, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-6154; Fax: 716-645-3376

Campus-wide student support

University at Buffalo
315 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-2982; Fax: 716-645-2260

Additional Resources

AlcoholEDU

Incoming students may have to take AlcoholEDU — an online class designed to reduce at-risk drinking behavior. 

> Learn more about AlcoholEDU

Good Samaritan Policy

In the event of a medical emergency, you will not face disciplinary consequences for drinking or using other drugs — and neither will the person you’re helping — just because you’re calling for help. Read about this policy.

Cannabis — Get the Facts

There are many myths about the safety and impact of using cannabis. Many students think that cannabis, or “weed,” is a safe alternative to alcohol or tobacco. But cannabis can have a negative impact on your body, your health and your academic success.
 

> Learn more about the effects of cannabis