University clamps down on ‘trashing’ of students

OXFORD University is to try to put an end to the “inconsiderate and entitled” tradition of “trashing”.

The practice sees students spray each other with champagne, confetti and foam to celebrate finishing their exams in the summer term. However, in some extreme cases students can be doused in ketchup and other condiments while being pelted with rotten eggs.

The university authorities have said they will tip off Thames Valley Police if they discover the locations of any “trashings”. A spokesman said: “Getting through examinations is a milestone, but we urge students to find ways to mark this which are far less damaging, costly and – frankly – annoying to neighbours, the city council and fellow university members.”

The university pays the city council £3,500 to cover the cost of cleaning up the mess and can fine and discipline offenders.

In an email to students, university proctors wrote: “There is no tradition of the abuse of food in ‘trashing’. The idea is a recent invention and one which is particularly offensive in a city where there are many homeless and hungry people. Rotting food, vomit, broken glass and other items causing litter are simply not what any of us wants to see.”