NTNU student body proposes beer on campus to revive post-pandemic activity

The Student Parliament at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is pushing to increase on-campus activity by allowing beer sales in designated student areas, Dagbladet reports. The move comes amid concerns over declining student presence following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Amund Aaseng Stubbrud, leader of NTNU’s Student Parliament, stressed that the proposal is part of broader efforts to create more social spaces. “The main goal is to bring students back to campus,” he said, noting a clear decline in attendance since the pandemic. “There’s a strong focus on this, both at NTNU and nationally.”

While alcohol is already permitted in student-run areas—subject to university and municipal regulations—the new proposal would expand access by securing liquor licenses for select spaces. Stubbrud clarified that not all student areas would serve alcohol, but envisioned low-threshold gathering spots where staff and students could socialise, including with beer.

NTNU’s leadership and Trondheim municipality have signalled openness to the idea, though both emphasise compliance with existing alcohol laws. “This isn’t new for NTNU—alcohol is already allowed in student areas, but it’s regulated,” said Monica Rolfsen, NTNU’s pro-rector for social responsibility. Any new licenses would require approval from the university’s property department and adherence to local serving rules.

Trondheim’s political advisor Vegard Gunnerød Sem confirmed the municipality has no objections in principle, provided license holders follow the law. Details such as responsibility for alcohol-related incidents and potential pressure to drink remain unresolved, with Stubbrud noting these would be addressed if specific venues move forward.

The proposal draws inspiration from universities like Bergen, where student-run spaces serve as social hubs with optional alcohol. Stubbrud reiterated that beer sales are a minor aspect of the plan: “The main purpose is making campus more attractive—not making it easy to buy beer.”