We submitted Freedom of Information requests to UK universities, revealing that 5,293 incidents of students smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation were recorded between 2024 and 2026. The data also shows that universities issued thousands of pounds in fines as they continue to enforce their accommodation policies.
Under the Health Act 2006, smoking inside buildings has been illegal. While vaping indoors is not currently prohibited by law, individual organisations, including universities, can set their own rules on whether vaping is permitted on their premises¹.
Top 10 universities for smoking or vaping-related incidents
| Rank | University | Number of recorded incidents of students smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation since 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Greenwich | 727 |
| 2 | University of Sussex | 426 |
| 3 | University of Essex | 258 |
| 4 | Kingston University | 249 |
| 5 | Oxford Brookes University | 203 |
| 6 | University of Bath | 199 |
| 7 | Lancaster University | 198 |
| 8 | University of Edinburgh | 194 |
| 9 | University of Manchester | 191 |
| 10 | University of Exeter | 165 |
1. University of Greenwich- 727 recorded incidents
The University of Greenwich recorded 727 incidents of students smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation since 2024, the highest number of incidents in the UK. The university recorded 224 incidents in 2024, 370 in 2025 and 133 so far in 2026.
The university issued 86 warnings to students caught smoking or vaping in accommodation, but did not issue any fines.
2. University of Sussex - 426 recorded incidents
The University of Sussex recorded 426 incidents of students smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation from 2024 to 2026, the second highest in the UK. The university recorded 176 incidents in 2024, 157 in 2025 and 93 so far in 2026, but no investigations were started, and no fines or warnings were issued.
3. University of Essex - 258 recorded incidents
There were 258 smoking or vaping incidents recorded by the University of Essex from 2024 to 2026. The Colchester-based university issued 80 warnings and nine fines to students caught smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation, and opened 107 investigations. The fines issued totalled £615.
Fines issued for smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation totalled £82,942
| Rank | University | Combined fine value issued by each university from 2024 - June 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester Metropolitan University | £10,980 |
| 2 | Oxford Brookes University | £9,000 |
| 3 | University of Southampton | £6,075 |
| 4 | University of Bath | £5,910 |
| 5 | Queen's University Belfast | £5,500 |
| 6 | University of Edinburgh | £4,900 |
| 7 | Lancaster University | £4,345 |
| 8 | University of Kent | £3,900 |
| 9 | University of Reading | £3,875 |
| 10 | University of Exeter | £3,800 |
1. Manchester Metropolitan University - £10,980 worth of fines issued
Manchester Metropolitan University issued £10,980 in fines to students smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation - the highest total value recorded by any UK university from 2024 to June 2026. The university recorded 77 incidents since 2024, with each recorded incident resulting in both a warning and a financial penalty.
2. Oxford Brookes University - £9,000 worth of fines issued
Oxford Brookes University issued the second-highest value of fines to students, issuing £9,000 in fines. The university recorded 203 incidents, the fifth highest in the UK, and issued 160 fines to students caught smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation, the highest out of all UK universities analysed. The Oxford-based university also launched the highest number of investigations, opening 236 investigations.
3. University of Southampton - £6,075 worth of fines issued
The University of Southampton issued £6,075 in fines to students, the third-highest in the UK. The university recorded 98 incidents, issued 22 warnings, 62 fines and opened 98 investigations for students smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation.
2,134 warnings were issued to students caught smoking or vaping
| Rank | University | Number of warnings issued from 2024 to June 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Exeter | 165 |
| 2 | University of Bristol | 139 |
| 3 | Swansea University | 119 |
| 4 | University of Hertfordshire | 110 |
| 5 | University of East London | 105 |
| 6 | University of Greenwich | 86 |
| 7 | Edinburgh Business School | 85 |
| 8 | University of Essex | 80 |
| 9 | Manchester Metropolitan University | 77 |
| 10 | University of Edinburgh | 55 |
1. University of Exeter - 165 warnings issued
The University of Exeter issued the most warnings to students caught smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation, with 165 issued from 2024 to June 2026. The total value of fines issued totalled £3,800 - the tenth highest value in the UK.
2. University of Bristol - 139 warnings issued
The University of Bristol issued 139 warnings to students, the second-highest in the UK. The university issued £565 worth of fines for students caught smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation.
3. Swansea University - 119 warnings issued
Swansea University issued 119 warnings to students caught smoking or vaping in university-managed accommodation - the third-highest in the UK. Despite issuing a high number of warnings, no fines were issued.
Methodology
Freedom of Information (FOI) requests were sent to UK universities asking the following
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The number of recorded incidents involving students smoking or vaping in university-managed student accommodation.
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The number of warnings issued to students for smoking or vaping in university-managed student accommodation.
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The number of fines, charges, or financial penalties issued to students for smoking or vaping in university-managed student accommodation.
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The number of disciplinary actions, misconduct investigations, accommodation sanctions, or other formal enforcement actions taken against students for smoking or vaping in university-managed student accommodation.
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Where applicable, the total monetary value of fines, charges, or financial penalties issued for smoking or vaping incidents in university-managed student accommodation.
Data included 2024, 2025 and up until June 2026.
Data correct as of July 2026.
Sources
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