Where’s the party? A mixed method study investigating characteristics, motivations, and harms of attending off-campus (over on-campus) parties

Abstract

Objective

We examined the characteristics, motivations, and harms associated with celebrating events at off-campus parties (OCPs), including a particularly harmful off-campus block party compared to on-campus parties (CPs). Participants and Method: Survey with a representative sample of 491 students in Canada. Three focus groups with a total of 14 students who have attended the OCBP and one focus group with community members affected by the OCBP (n = 10). Results: 14.3% of students attended OCPs. OCPs were significantly more likely to be associated with harms. Focus groups revealed that students attend the OCBP as it is cheaper to consume alcohol compared to CPs. Improved music was the most common solution to improve CP. Community members identified 16 potential solutions to mitigate the harms and prevent the OCBP. Conclusion: Reducing costs and improving the experience may increase likelihood of students attending CPs and minimize harms of OCPs.

Keywords:

• College alcohol use
• mixed-method study
• off-campus parties
• risky behaviors
• town-gown relations

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the members of the Community Task Force for their helpful input and suggestions in the design of the study.

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of Canada and received approval from the University of Calgary.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Vice Provost Student Experience – Operational Budget.