Move over Fosters and Budweiser – Pinot Grigio is now the drink of choice for London’s first-year students.

The days of Fosters and Budweiser dominating student halls might be over. Pinot Grigio has emerged as the go-to drink for 61% of freshers’ students, followed closely by other crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Meanwhile, lager multipacks and mainstream vodka are dropping down the list, showing that tastes are evolving with the new generation.

Interestingly, while alcohol still dominates the student shopping basket, students are putting essentials like milk, bread, and eggs much further down the list. Only 27% of students reported buying basic groceries during Freshers’ Week, suggesting that for many, a chilled bottle of Pinot is more of a priority than breakfast. It is a striking reflection of how socialising, night life, and pre-drinks culture take precedence over the basics in the opening weeks of university life.

Experts say the trend is part of a wider cultural shift among Gen Z. This generation is embracing taste, balance, and style, choosing drinks that feel more sophisticated and social rather than just cheap and heavy.

Paul Gott, Chief Operating Officer at Beelivery, said: “It is official. White wine has taken over student life. Beer might still have its place at the pub, but this generation clearly prefers something a little more refined for pre-drinks.”

The change is not just about what students are drinking, but how they are drinking it. Gone are the days of pounding pints before a night out. Students are opting for Pinot and chill nights, enjoying a quiet glass with flatmates or a cosy evening in with friends instead of the traditional all-night pub crawl.

While previous generations might remember lugging crates of beer into halls and living off instant noodles and kebabs, today’s students are popping corks over cans, and they’re not looking back.

Launched in 2015, Beelivery provides rapid delivery of groceries and household essentials within 15 to 60 minutes, covering 90 per cent of UK households.

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