Student life seems a lot more wholesome than I remember. I was struck by this thought the other day when I saw a social media post about an upcoming “houseplant sale” being held at the University of Glasgow as part of the Welcome/Freshers’ Week 2024.

The accompanying photograph drew my eye, showing a clutch of stalls packed with joyous greenery, alongside neat stacks of brightly coloured pots.

As someone who spends an inordinate amount of time meandering around garden centres on weekends, it looked like my idea of a fun day out.

Now, that is. But 30 years ago? Not so much. During my own university era, the sum total of interactions with anything verdure-themed was falling into a hedge after one-too-many pints at the student union.

A Barclays report published last year dubbed the current crop of students as “generation sensible”, highlighting how many are choosing to cut back on nights out and alcohol to save money.

That’s not to say they have given up........

© Herald Scotland