Is orientation week a gateway to persistent alcohol use in university students? A preliminary investigation.

Abstract

Orientation Week is common at many universities throughout the world and is a way to introduce students to their new environment. Despite some benefits, Orientation Week is often typified by heavy alcohol use. Although typically viewed as a "one-time" event, the higher levels of drinking that students engage in during Orientation Week may persist into the academic year. We investigated this possibility in the present study.