Keele University has been labelled a "party haven" after the council agreed to plans for the campus to extend licensing hours for its student union to 5am.
The union, which is currently legally allowed to stay open until 3am, had widespread opposition to the plans over fears of late-night noise.
The changes were voted through at a council meeting after police, who initially objected, dropped their opposition to the changes.
In a letter opposing the extension, senior music lecturer Diego Garro said the changes would "transform" the university campus into a haven for party-mad students.
"It is unfair to use their [taxpayers'] money to provide three years of unrestricted, unlimited entertainment rather than an opportunity for learning and for cultural and professional growth.
"Attendance is low on Thursdays due to the union's entertainment on Wednesday nights, not to mention the disturbance caused to the students who are trying to rest and study in the nearby halls."
But Tony Polden, from the students union, defended the application saying the university was trying to enhance the social experience.
"Students often drink at home first and don't go to university bars until around 11pm. They come to university to work and study as well as to socialise. We are trying to enhance that aspect wherever possible."
The union was also granted permission to stay open until 7am five times a year for "special events" such as Halloween.