Abstract

Leaving home is a time when changes in dietary intake are likely. The purpose of this study was to measure changes in students’ dietary habits from leaving home in September to start their university course, to May the following year. Three cohorts (97, 123, 157) of first-year students were surveyed over three consecutive years using food frequency questionnaires completed by students in September, late January and May of the following year (the same academic year). Reported intakes of energy, protein, fat and carbohydrate declined significantly ( P < 0.05) from the period September–January for both the male and female groups and although there was a small decrease in energy intake for the male group for the period January– May and a small increase for the female group for the same period, none of these were significant. Reported intakes of alcohol in males increased in each of the three periods but none of these increases were significant. Reported intakes of most food items and the frequency with which they were consumed declined during the period September–January, but the reference nutrient intake was still met for many nutrients. Nonetheless, we consider it important to monitor food consumption, particularly when first leaving home, to ensure adequacy; and alcohol to ensure that total consumption does not take place in single binge sessions.