Study: UI students drinking less alcohol, more energy drinks

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IOWA CITY — University of Iowa undergraduate and graduate students have made modest improvements across a range of health determinants over the last two years — from alcohol and marijuana use and abuse to anxiety and suicidal ideation.

But some of the metrics remain worse than a decade ago in 2015 — including a variety of stressors, like finances and personal appearance. Where 58 percent of UI respondents in 2025 listed appearance as a top stressor and 42 percent listed finances, just 23 percent said appearance was a stressor a decade ago and 29 percent were stressed about finances.

“Ultimately, the data reinforce the critical need to continue prioritizing health and well-being as foundatio