University students and smoking

Hi!

Since I was 18 I've smoked once in a while at parties etc. Now at 23 and in university I had quite a bad experience summer 2010, as I 'accidentally' picked up smoking. I was on a holiday for a week where I thought regular rules don't apply and as I had always been able to 'control' my smoking by not wanting it after. But I was smoking all the time because of the lack of things to do and the ease of getting to know people via smoking. Coming back to uni I continued it easily throughout the winter as my other flatmate smoked.

All of a sudden I realized I was smoking more than her! I love to run and I couldn't really as every time I went running it felt like I was starting all over again!

I decided during the spring to quit, but at summer I quit for the longest time in a year: 2months. After this I have unsuccessfully, not been buying my own cigarettes, but just been smoking on my nights off. It's easy to take a day off often in a situation where your life revolvs around studying, parties and other socials.. I need help weeding out this horrible 'couple of cigarettes a night' habit!!

xx

I was just the same - never really smoked at all before university. I, too, am 23, graduated last year. I always said I'd give up once I finished uni as I knew it would be easier what with the lack of going out, drinking, and the fact that I'm back with my parents which makes me much less likely to smoke.
I eventually decided to give up properly on new year's day, and I haven't had one since. The real test will be on a night out, haven't had one in a while, and I know it'll be tough. Plus, got alumni weekend in April, back to the old lifestyle for a couple of nights, so that will be tricky to resist!

Uni is definitely a bit of a demon for both the lungs and the waistline - but to be honest I'd just say enjoy yourself while you're there and resolve to sort it once you've finished. that may not be the best advice, obviously if you want to quit now, just go for it. But something I've found after a couple of unsuccessful attempts is that you'll find that if your mind isn't 100% committed to giving up, it won't work. I was 100% about doing it for new year and I've stuck to it so far!