Can I drink or smoke in the dormitory?

Can I drink or smoke in the dormitory?

At 3D ACADEMY, we aim to provide a safe, respectful, and focused environment where students can learn English effectively and enjoy their time abroad. To support this goal, we have clear policies regarding alcohol and tobacco use within the school and dormitory facilities.

While we understand that students come from many different cultural backgrounds—some where drinking or smoking is common in daily life—we ask everyone to follow these rules in order to maintain a healthy and harmonious community.

This FAQ outlines what is allowed, what is not allowed, and why these policies exist.

Alcohol Policy: Drinking Rules on and off Campus

✅ What is NOT allowed

• Drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited within the school campus, including all indoor and outdoor areas of the main building and on-campus dormitories.

• You are not allowed to bring, store, or consume alcoholic beverages in your dorm room if you are staying in the school’s main dormitory.

• Alcohol is also not permitted in public school areas such as the cafeteria, study rooms, rooftop, hallways, or lounges.

Why is alcohol banned on campus?

The ban on alcohol exists to:

• Promote a focused academic atmosphere that is free from distractions and late-night disturbances.

• Ensure the safety of students, especially minors (under 18), who may be exposed to inappropriate behavior if alcohol is consumed in shared spaces.

• Prevent damage to facilities or inappropriate conduct that often accompanies excessive drinking.

• Respect the diverse cultures and beliefs of our student body, some of whom may come from alcohol-free backgrounds.

We understand that drinking is a normal part of social life in many cultures. However, as an educational institution responsible for the safety and well-being of students from all over the world, we ask that all students respect this rule during their stay on campus.

What is allowed: Off-Campus Dormitories

If you are staying in one of our off-campus hotel dormitories—such as MIT Residence, Prestigio Hotel Dormitory, or YELLO Hotel Dormitory—you are permitted to bring and drink alcohol inside your private room, under the following conditions:

• You must be over the legal drinking age in the Philippines (18 years or older).

• Drinking is allowed only inside your private room. Do not drink in hotel hallways, shared lounges, or cafeteria areas.

• Your behavior must not disturb other residents or violate hotel policies.

• No parties, loud music, or public intoxication is allowed, even off-campus.

Hotel dormitories are privately managed accommodations that offer more flexibility for adult students who want to enjoy a drink in moderation in their own space. Please be respectful of the hotel staff, housekeeping team, and other guests during your stay.

Smoking Policy: Where and How to Smoke

✅ Where smoking is allowed

Smoking is not permitted inside any room or facility on the school campus. However, we provide designated outdoor smoking areas for students who smoke.

• These smoking areas are clearly marked and located at a safe distance from the dormitories and classrooms.

• Please make sure to dispose of cigarette butts in the provided ashtrays or bins.

• Do not smoke in hallways, stairwells, balconies, or shared lounges.

Where smoking is NOT allowed

• Inside dormitory rooms (on-campus and hotel-based)

• Inside classrooms, offices, cafeteria, or study halls

• Inside elevators or building lobbies

• Anywhere marked as a non-smoking area

Smoking in prohibited areas may result in warnings, cleaning fees, or other disciplinary action.

Cultural Sensitivity & Shared Spaces

3D ACADEMY is home to students from over a dozen countries, including cultures where smoking and drinking are either common or completely prohibited. That’s why we ask all students to:

• Avoid smoking or drinking in front of others who may find it offensive or uncomfortable

• Refrain from offering alcohol or cigarettes to minors or those who do not wish to participate

• Keep shared spaces like dorm rooms, kitchens, and lounges free of alcohol containers or ashtrays

This is not only about following rules—it’s about showing respect for fellow students who are part of your daily living environment.

️ Dormitory Types & Policy Summary

Let’s break down the alcohol and smoking policies based on your dormitory type:

Note: Smoking is not allowed inside any hotel rooms. Hotels may charge a fine if you violate this rule.

⚠️ Violations & Consequences

At 3D ACADEMY, we take rule violations seriously in order to maintain safety and fairness for all students.

If you are caught drinking alcohol on campus or smoking in a non-smoking area, the following may occur:

1. First offense: Verbal warning or written notice

2. Second offense: Official written warning and possible restrictions (e.g. curfew tightening)

3. Third offense or serious violations: Expulsion from the dormitory or, in extreme cases, from the school

Hotel dormitories may also charge cleaning or penalty fees for smoking inside the room or damaging property.

We recommend all students read and understand the rules at orientation and speak to staff if they are unsure about what is allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I drink on my birthday at the dorm?
A: Only if you are in a hotel dormitory and drinking privately in your own room. No parties or public gatherings allowed on campus.

Q: Can I smoke e-cigarettes or vape indoors?
A: No. Vaping is treated the same as smoking. Use only designated outdoor areas.

Q: What if my roommate drinks in our room without my consent?
A: Report it to dormitory staff immediately. You will not be penalized if you are not participating, but we need to address the rule violation.

Q: Is there a designated time for smoking?
A: Smoking is allowed at any time in the designated areas, but please be mindful of noise and surroundings, especially late at night.

Final Message

Living abroad means adapting to new rules and respecting the values of others. At 3D ACADEMY, we ask students to help create a clean, quiet, and respectful learning environment where everyone—smokers and non-smokers, drinkers and non-drinkers—can live together peacefully.

By following our alcohol and smoking policies, you help us maintain a safe space where learning comes first. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.