Freedom of Information requests submitted to UK universities by nicotine pouch retailer Alternix have revealed that 5,293 incidents of students smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation were recorded between 2024 and 2026. The data also shows that universities issued thousands of pounds in fines as they continue to enforce their accommodation policies.
Under the Health Act 2006, smoking inside buildings has been illegal. While vaping indoors is not currently prohibited by law, individual organisations, including universities, can set their own rules on whether vaping is permitted on their premises¹.
Top 10 universities for smoking or vaping-related incidents
| Rank | University | Number of recorded incidents of students smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation since 2024 |
| 1 | University of Greenwich | 727 |
| 2 | University of Sussex | 426 |
| 3 | University of Essex | 258 |
| 4 | Kingston University | 249 |
| 5 | Oxford Brookes University | 203 |
| 6 | University of Bath | 199 |
| 7 | Lancaster University | 198 |
| 8 | University of Edinburgh | 194 |
| 9 | University of Manchester | 191 |
| 10 | University of Exeter | 165 |
- University of Greenwich – 727 recorded incidents
The University of Greenwich recorded 727 incidents of students smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation since 2024, the highest number of incidents in the UK. The university recorded 224 incidents in 2024, 370 in 2025 and 133 so far in 2026.
The university issued 86 warnings to students caught smoking or vaping in accommodation, but did not issue any fines.
- University of Sussex – 426 recorded incidents
The University of Sussex recorded 426 incidents of students smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation from 2024 to 2026, the second highest in the UK. The university recorded 176 incidents in 2024, 157 in 2025 and 93 so far in 2026, but no investigations were started, and no fines or warnings were issued.
- University of Essex – 258 recorded incidents
There were 258 smoking or vaping incidents recorded by the University of Essex from 2024 to 2026. The Colchester-based university issued 80 warnings and nine fines to students caught smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation, and opened 107 investigations. The fines issued totalled £615.
Fines issued for smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation totalled £82,942
| Rank | University | Combined fine value issued by each university from 2024 – June 2026 |
| 1 | Manchester Metropolitan University | £10,980 |
| 2 | Oxford Brookes University | £9,000 |
| 3 | University of Southampton | £6,075 |
| 4 | University of Bath | £5,910 |
| 5 | Queen’s University Belfast | £5,500 |
| 6 | University of Edinburgh | £4,900 |
| 7 | Lancaster University | £4,345 |
| 8 | University of Kent | £3,900 |
| 9 | University of Reading | £3,875 |
| 10 | University of Exeter | £3,800 |
- Manchester Metropolitan University – £10,980 worth of fines issued
Manchester Metropolitan University issued £10,980 in fines to students smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation – the highest total value recorded by any UK university from 2024 to June 2026. The university recorded 77 incidents since 2024, with each recorded incident resulting in both a warning and a financial penalty.
- Oxford Brookes University – £9,000 worth of fines issued
Oxford Brookes University issued the second-highest value of fines to students, issuing £9,000 in fines. The university recorded 203 incidents, the fifth highest in the UK, and issued 160 fines to students caught smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation, the highest out of all UK universities analysed. The Oxford-based university also launched the highest number of investigations, opening 236 investigations.
- University of Southampton
The University of Southampton issued £6,075 in fines to students, the third-highest in the UK. The university recorded 98 incidents, issued 22 warnings, 62 fines and opened 98 investigations for students smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation.
David Phillips from Alternix says:
“These figures show that smoking and vaping indoors remain a common issue in university accommodation, with some institutions recording hundreds of incidents. Beyond the risk of fines or disciplinary action, smoking indoors can affect other residents through odours, second-hand smoke and repeated fire alarm activations. For adult nicotine users, smoke-free alternatives such as nicotine pouches can help avoid some of these issues, but students should always follow the rules set by their university.”
For more advice on nicotine pouches, visit Alternix.
Photo by Keira Burton: https://www.pexels.com/photo/multiethnic-couple-with-copybooks-studying-on-grassy-lawn-6146981/
Leave a Reply