University College Cork (UCC) is to offer students alcohol-free accommodation for the first time.

Thousands of freshmen will begin their studies in the coming weeks and while many associate the college experience with partying, UCC wants to facilitate those with no interest in boozing.

The college says a good uptake is expected and spaces will be limited and located at Victoria Lodge, which is owned and managed by UCC Campus Accommodation.

Students will be asked to provide a written personal statement as to why the option interests them alongside their usual housing application, which will then be screened.

A contract to adhere to the alcohol regulations will be included in the current contract that students sign and the consequences of violations will be in line with the current process.

2010 study showed high levels of alcohol consumption at UCC

The college says one of the reasons for the move is due to "concerning levels of alcohol consumption" were recorded among UCC students in a 2010 study. It showed that 45.5% of males and 44.5% of females reported binge drinking more than once a week and that all students who reported drinking alcohol reported at least one adverse consequence.

Deirdre Griffin is a Health Promotion Project Worker at UCC. "I am excited to welcome this development and feel that many students will really value having this option. UCC Health Matters is about enabling the students and staff of UCC to take control over and improve their well-being" she said.

"It is about creating the environments that will help people to live happy and healthy lives and achieve their full potential. This initiative supports that ethos and I feel it will be welcomed by many students" she added.

UCC Student Union President Padraig Haughney explained more about the plan to Breakfast here on Newstalk.