Understanding the Impact of UK University Drug and Alcohol Prevalence in Relation to International Student Belonging and Social Integration

University students are at particular risk of drug and alcohol use harms, with wide-ranging detrimental impacts, including on academic performance and student belonging. It has been reported that certain groups, such as international students, may be most impacted, but research remains limited. During the last decade, UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have focused on alcohol and drug harm reduction, yet few approaches are evidence led, nor explain recent reported declines in alcohol consumption alongside increases in drug use. The current study therefore aims to understand how UK university alcohol and drug prevalence may influence international student belonging and social integration.