University of Wollongong student, Jordy Kelson-Bell is getting ready for her Saturday night out on the town.
The music is blaring, there is makeup scattered across the desk, and the glass of white wine she’s been sipping begins to warm next to her straightener.
“I think while getting ready, I’ll probably have one or two more drinks at a minimum,” Ms Kelson-Bell said.
“And then once we are ready, we’ll reconvene again as a household.”
The Saturday night scene is common in many student share houses in Wollongong. The essential ‘pre-drinks’ before party time? What once was just a fun social gathering has turned into a necessity?
“Normally, I’d finish work and go to the bottle shop to pick something up,” Ms Kelson-Bell said.
“I’ll pick based on what deals they have. I started drinking beer because it’s usually cheaper.”
As a university student, who works casually, most of Ms Kelson-Bell’s decisions about her nightlife are determined by her available finances. She’s not alone.
The Cost of Living Insights Report, by CommBank iQ Insights has found that the growth rate per capita of essential versus discretionary spending has changed over the past eight to ten years.
While essential spending has remained steady, discretionary spending has dipped, highlighting that in times of restraint, consumers will limit their spending on non-essential items, such as going out.
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University student and bartender at Dicey Riley’s Hotel, Tessa Filor-Fox said that it can be difficult to find the cash to go out.
“I feel like having to pay rent, pay for groceries, run a car, there’s very limited money left most of the time to go out,” Ms Filor-Fox said.
And it isn’t only patrons feeling the pinch.
Wollongong’s nightlife venues are also facing the pressures of increased costs.
Manager of La La La’s, Harry Phillips said it can be difficult for businesses to absorb the increasing costs.
“We would love to sell the cheapest beer possible, but you know, you’ve got to look into it, it’s not only booze going up, but rent going up, insurance going up,” Mr Phillips said.
beer prices infographic by UOWTV
So, Ms Kelson-Bell has a few drinks at home before she goes out. The next stop, in her Saturday night, is at at a local bar with some classmates. There’s a touch of awkwardness as the conversation never really moves past small talk. She decides to indulge in a few more beers.
“Me, when I’m drunk, is the most confident person ever,” she said.
“It’s like a switch goes off and all of a sudden I don’t care about social norms, I don’t care about how people perceive me.”
Post-COVID, there an ‘epidemic of awkwardness’ that permeates through young people’s nightlife experiences.
Recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that young Australians are experiencing higher levels of social isolation, particularly in the wake of the pandemic.
This change has been noticed by hospitality workers who have described the differences in how people socialise after years of isolation.
“I think it’s the middle aged, the 25 to 35 year-old-age bracket, which definitely sees the impact from COVID,” Mr Phillips said.
“I think they maybe have a bit of anxiety or laziness or they think, ‘I’m just staying in tonight because I like that and I’m used to it’.”
To combat feelings of social isolation, many patrons are turning to alcohol to ease some of the awkwardness.
Alcohol may not be the only substance that young people are turning to.
Data from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey shows that more people are now engaging with illicit drugs.
Mr Phillips said that an increase in drug use could be the impacts from COVID-19 lockdowns.
“Maybe it’s because people don’t know, at least my demographic or the young kids, don’t know how to socialise due to COVID,” he said.
“So they want the most distraction possible, and in regards to the booze and the drugs, to get as inebriated as possible, so they don’t have to think about it.”
Ms Filor-Fox echoed a similar sentiment in terms of drug use.
“I feel like if people do drugs, they don’t have to spend money on drinks,” she said.
“I think while they are more expensive, they only have to take one.”
The cost-of-living crisis and the hangover from Covid, has left some with social anxiety, but for Ms Kelson-Bell it hasn’t stopped her from having a good time.
“I think I definitely lean more towards pubs and bars over clubbing,” she said.
“I usually want to go out, as I’m quite a social person, unless I’ve had a really bad day.
“Normally I enjoy going out and drinking. The only time I stay home is to save money, or my student responsibilities.”
Recent increase to minimum wage and people trying new social activities, may benefit both venues and patrons.