Students are increasingly turning to prescription 'smart drugs' to cope with academic pressure, a trend that has become rife in British universities. Modafinil, a medication for narcolepsy, is being used off-label to boost concentration and stamina for studying, with users reporting the ability to work for hours without distraction.
In a flat in Edinburgh, five final-year female students and five male peers admitted to using modafinil at least occasionally. One history student, Phoebe, described how the drug makes her 'happy to go to the library' and able to study through lunch. Another student, Johnny, noted the risk of misdirected focus, having once spent five hours reorganising his iTunes library.
The pressure is attributed to rising tuition fees and a competitive job market. These students are the first cohort to face average debts of £44,000, with stories of graduate unemployment and unpaid internships adding to the stress. Jack Rivlin, editor of the Tab, observed a shift in student concerns towards careers and value for money compared to five years ago.
While some view the use of modafinil as cheating, the students argue it is a necessary response to an unfair system. Johnny's ex-girlfriend initially opposed the drug but later asked for it under pressure. The widespread use suggests a systemic issue, with students feeling they have no choice but to use cognitive enhancers to compete.
