Students at Acadia University and here in Calgary continue to mourn the loss of Jon Andrews from Calgary.

On Thursday, the 19-year-old first year student died in hospital in Halifax following a night of binge drinking.

For those attending the school, it's more than a tragic start to the academic year.

"It's tough to even describe my emotions upon first hearing the news. You just got to feel for the kid's family and his friends and even though I don't know him obviously as an Acadia student, it's terrible," said Nick Emanuele.

Andrews was found unresponsive in his dorm room early Tuesday morning and students say his death has shaken everyone.

"You make friends so quickly here. You get here and your friends become your family so I imagine it's terribly stressful for those people who he bonded with," said Sarah Williams.

The president of the Acadia Student Union has been spending time at the young man's dorm and says grief counsellors have also been made available.

The Senior Director of Student Affairs says changes to university protocol could come about as a result and that the school is looking at making improvements.

There are two residence advisors on duty each night and three more off-duty in most buildings.

The University of Calgary recognizes that celebrating and partying is a part of campus life and says it can also be a stressful time as students make that transition, especially for first year students.

The head of the Wellness Centre at the U of C says programs are available to help students cope and celebrate responsibly.

"Partying and celebrating in responsible ways are definitely part of campus life. I think the campus believes strongly in facilitating responsibility so that's managing alcohol, managing stress and any other components that can lead a student to feel they're having a hard time," said Debbie Bruckner; U of C Wellness Centre Director.

A complete list of the programs offered on campus can be found on the Wellness Centre's website.