New survey data from hundreds of institutions shows incoming students are shifting away from alcohol: reported abstinence in the first weeks on campus has doubled since 2016, with health and academic concerns now primary drivers. Campus health officials must recalibrate orientation, programming and harm‑reduction strategies to reflect changing student behaviors, including higher early‑term cannabis use. At the same time, a UK poll found that roughly 70% of students in halls feel lonely or isolated, with housing costs and heavy phone use cited as causes. Universities are under renewed pressure to expand mental‑health services, community programming and low‑cost social options to combat isolation that can undermine retention and learning outcomes.