A survey of almost 2,000 students at UK universities has found that one in five students have taken study drugs to stay awake

One in five students at UK universities have used the study drug modafinil to study and stay awake, according to a survey.

The study, carried out by student website the Tab, asked almost 2000 students at 41 different universities about their use of study drugs.

It found that one in five had taken modafinil, a drug which is used to prevent sleepiness and increase concentration, to help them with their academic work.

Ally Biring, a recent graduate of the University of the Arts London, says: "Self-medicating is extremely worrying. But students feel that there is no alternative. We need to look at what we as a society view as success.

"Students are investing a lot of money into their studies and there is no guarantee that they will get a job. So the competition is fierce. They need to demonstrate that they are the best and outperform their peers."

Almost half of students who had taken the drug had bought it online and many reported side effects such as having a reduced appetite, an inability to sleep and needing to go to the toilet more.

Usually prescribed to treat narcolepsy, the drug is not illegal to buy but is illegal to supply. In recent years students have used the drug to help them concentrate on their work in the build-up to exams and deadlines.

An NUS spokeperson said in the Metro: "With the current labour market, students may feel a lot of pressure to do well in their studies. But taking drugs like these can present a risk to your health, just like anything that isn't prescribed by a doctor."

In other student news this week:

• Student houses are mouldy and expensive

Over a third of students think their rent is bad value for money, according to a new survey by Accommodation for Students and Glide. Not only is rent high, but some of you are bailing out your flatmates. Nearly 12% of students have had to pay someone else's bills, says the survey of 1,170 students.

How do you pay for your uni accommodation? Almost a third said they relied on credit cards or overdrafts to pay their rent, and 65% said they were worried about money.

Over at the University of York, a survey by Nouse student paper this week found that 34% of York students think there's too much mould in their student house.

• Poppy ban defeated at Belfast

This week students at the Queen's University in Belfast proposed a ban on the sale of poppies, saying the poppy appeal is "a politically charged". However, the motion was defeated 40 votes to 15. Last year the University of London Union caused a stir when it "boycotted" Remembrance day services, asking representatives to attend only in a personal capacity and not to speak for the union.