We hate to nag, but it’s important to make sure you’re looking after yourself and your friends.
It’s crucial to look out for yourself and your friends. Below are some highly important tips for staying safe on a night out at uni. Be sure to discuss these with the group before the night begins!
Watch your drink
You should always try to be in control of what you’re drinking and know roughly how much you’ve had. It’s often better to stick to one drink throughout the night as you can roughly gauge how much alcohol is in each drink and it reduces your chances of vomiting. Always keep on top of how drunk you are feeling.
You should always watch your drink getting made by the bartender. If you didn’t see it being made then you should be wary. Spiking is rare but it does happen. Always keep your drink on you as things can be slipped into your drink without you even noticing. It’s also trickier to notice things when a bit tipsy!
Some clubs now do plastic cup covers which prevent people putting anything in your drink. You should ask the club you’re at if they do this. But, in the worst case scenario where your drink is spiked then it’s important to recognise the signs. The physical indicators include your drink changing colour, looking cloudy or excessively bubbling.
Most often, the drink won’t look different but you may feel the effects of being spiked. If you or a friend feel suddenly more intoxicated, immediately speak to the security at the venue and ask for help. Never leave the person who was spiked by themselves.
Stay in crowded and well-lit areas
You will ALWAYS find safety in numbers, so, if you’ve been out partying, clubbing, or pubbing, make sure that when you leave, you walk on crowded streets in well-lit areas. There are multiple statistics that suggest that crime is more likely to happen in poorly lit areas, so just avoid these kinds of places.
Walking in a crowded area will also reduce the chances of something bad happening to you and if it does there will be people around you to help you out. Don’t try and take shortcuts down gloomy alleyways, it's just not worth it to save you a few minutes.
It’s easy to get lost in crowded clubs so deciding a designated meeting point before the night starts is a great idea. Make a group chat so you can easily communicate with each other. A fantastic tip for nights out are code words! Make all the group aware of this particular word. Then, if anyone feels uncomfortable and wants a quick escape, they just have to say the word and everyone would know to help that person.
Personal safety apps
Phone apps can be great to keep you safe and protected. For example, if you lose your friends on a night out, Find my Friends can help you find their exact location. Circle of 6 is an app where you have a circle of friends to quickly call if you’re in a dangerous situation. With just one touch, your six contacts would be pinged for help and given your current location. These are both really useful apps that don’t take long to set up.
Book a taxi or arrange a lift
Taxis may be expensive but they are a great way of drunkenly exiting venues, the added cost will always be worth it as you can safely (and comfortably) get home. Alternatively, you could get picked up by a trusted friend or family member as this will save you money and be even safer.
Never ever walk home alone. This is preached so much for a reason. Even if you’re tired or worried about your morning lecture and want to leave the club before friends – this isn’t an excuse to walk home alone. An Uber would be a better idea. In the worst case scenario where you have to walk home alone, then pretend to phone someone whilst walking. This makes you seem less alone and people will be less likely to approach you.
Valuables
Keep your valuables hidden from people in places like zip-up pockets. This is especially important if you’re drunk as people may take advantage of your state. Make sure to charge your phone before you go out in case you need to make an emergency call. Monitor your phone's battery throughout the night – don’t waste it all on drunk selfies! Bringing emergency cash is always a good idea in case you lose your wallet and need to get home.
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