UNIVERSITY of York freshers are being urged to "take it easy" as they embark on the first week of their higher education career.

York University Students Union (YUSU) has teamed up Selby & York Primary Care Trust (PCT) for a welfare campaign called Easy Tiger, which tackles issues such as sexual health, drugs, alcohol and money.

Ange Cheyne, the union's education & welfare officer, said the aim of the campaign was to ensure students did not blight their university career before they had even started. "Statistics show that a third of students develop a drinking habit that they will perpetuate for the rest of their lives and the NHS drop-in centre in town has a very high level of enquiries with a university postcode," she said.

"The message is, if you are going to do something then don't overdo it - be aware of the dangers. Freshers should take it easy and shouldn't feel pressured. There is plenty of time to have fun."

All 2,476 first-year students will receive an Easy Tiger pack containing essential information for 18 to 25-year-olds, condoms and sweets. Student officers will be visiting freshers' week events dressed in a tiger suit to ensure everyone is having a good time.

Kerry Wheeler, senior planning manager for the PCT, said they had supported YUSU welfare campaigns for a number of years and that spreading the sexual health message was more important than ever.

"Chlamydia is rife amongst under 25-year-olds so we really need to target them," she said.

Updated: 10:54 Tuesday, October 07, 2003