A third of students don't give their health a 'second thought' when they go to university

According to a recent poll, university students will spend the equivalent of 13 days in noisy pubs and clubs during their first year.

The survey, which included 500 current students and recent graduates, revealed that they partied twice a week during term-time in their first academic year.

Each party session typically lasted nearly five hours and ended at an average time of 2:30am. During fresher's week alone, students estimated they spent nearly 15 hours out partying over the course of the seven days.

A smaller percentage (12%) went out five or more times in the inaugural week with 30% admitting they didn't give their health a second thought when they started uni.

The research was commissioned by Specsavers after a separate study found 15 minutes of exposure to loud noise 85 decibels (dB) can lead to hearing damage and music venues reach up to 120 dB.

Gordon Harrison, chief audiologist at the hearing and vision specialists, said: "A fresher's first year at university is an important year for them to make new friends, gain independence, life skills and build on their education."

"But the research shows that students aren't prioritising their health which can have potential implications down the line."

"Young people are being increasingly affected by hearing damage because of going to concerts, festivals and clubs where noise can reach damaging levels, as well as listening to personal music devices."

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An overwhelming 74% of freshers hit the town as much as they could upon starting university, keen to soak up every drop of newfound freedom.

In fact, 78% of students reckon that the nightlife is a crucial part of their university life during their inaugural year in higher education.

Nightclubs (33%) were the preferred destination for partying undergraduates, followed by house parties (26%) and bars (17%).

And while students splurge almost £40 per outing, adding up to a steep £2,500 over the year, their escapades come at more than a financial cost.

Over half (53%) drag themselves through the day jaded from the previous night's adventures, while a quarter (25%) are left with a persistent ring in the ears and 27% land up dehydrated.

Almost half (46%) also report a constant mild buzzing in their ears while buried in books, potentially indicating hearing damage.

However, despite these warning signs, a mere 14% bothered to get a hearing test while earning their degrees, reveals a study by OnePoll.

Gordon Harrison of Specsavers chimed in, saying: "We don't want students to miss out on the fun of fresher's week, but there are some simple steps they can take to protect their ears like not standing too close to the speakers or using instant-fit earplugs or custom hearing protection."