Universities UK (UUK) in collaboration with Newcastle University, has launched "Initiations at UK Universities" to raise awareness of the dangers of initiations and excessive alcohol consumption among students. This briefing includes a consensus statement on the best way forward from stakeholders across the university and health sectors, examples of emerging good practice, and recommendations for universities. The recommendations aim to support the higher education sector in mitigating the risks to students of participating in initiation events and other social activities that involve excessive alcohol consumption and other risky behaviours, and to support an overall cultural change in attitudes towards problem initiation events and other high-risk social activities.