Staying safe at uni

You’re away from home for the first time. The world – or at least the campus – is your oyster. You can stay out as late as you want, take whoever you like home with you, and don’t have to worry about your mum shouting at you for coming in drunk. You’re free – and it’s fun.

The last thing you want is for a nasty incident to spoil your new found freedom. We’ve all heard about drunken uni nights out ending with lost phones, purses and wallets, or worse a fight or even a visit to A&E. Then there’s the more serious stuff that can happen when you’re drunk and vulnerable, like sexual assault.

‘This year during fresher’s week we’re working to make sure everyone is aware of the dangers that come with alcohol,’ says Jas Sangha, Vice President of Support and Advice at Glasgow Caledonian University Student Union. ‘For most students, university is the first time they haven’t had to worry what their parents think about their drinking. There’s a bit of peer pressure to drink too, to fit in. That can add up to heavy drinking, and dangerous situations sometimes.’

It doesn’t have to be that way. Universities are actually really well geared up to look after their students. Your union will have a welfare officer, there’ll be on campus nurses and doctors. And there’s lots of free publications and advice available to keep you safe.

But to be really safe, students also need to take responsibility for themselves and their mates. The best nights are those that end without incident, sitting around your student digs laughing at the evening’s events.

So on a night out, there are just a few really easy steps you can take to make sure the night goes off without (negative) incident. 

Don’t go overboard

Staying within the daily unit guidelines of 3-4 units for men and 2-3 for women means you'd be more likely to have your wits about you, and be able to spot dangerous situations.

If you do drink too much, you could easily get into trouble. The more drunk you are, the more likely you are to do something risky. A survey conducted by the women’s magazine, Company showed that 29% of respondents had lost keys, money and other valuables during a drunken night out, while one in ten had been escorted home by a stranger.

Have a look at our unit calculator to find out how many units are in your favourite drinks. Eating before you go out and drinking plenty of water will also help you not to get too drunk. Aim to drink a soft drink or a glass of water after each alcoholic drink when you’re in the pub.

Keeping track of what you’re drinking also means you’ll know if your drink’s been spiked. Jenny Fawson is Director of Personal Safety at the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, a charity which promotes personal safety. She says: ‘A lot of people who think they’ve had their drinks spiked with drugs have in fact just drunk far too much. If you keep a mental check of what you’re drinking, and don’t go over the top, you should be able to tell easily if your drink’s been spiked.

‘Spiking with drugs does happen, and you should be careful with your drink – never leave it unattended, or accept a drink from a stranger.’

If what you’re experiencing really doesn’t seem like the effects of alcohol tell a friend straight away.

Plan ahead

Alongside not drinking too much, planning is another key to staying safe when out.

Jenny says: ‘You should always know how you’re getting home, and arrange to go with a friend. If you’re getting a taxi, pre-book it and use a licensed cab so you aren’t left stranded. Make sure your mobile phone is charged and has credit, and keep the money you need to get home separate from the rest so you don’t accidentally spend it.’

Avoiding conflict

It’s easy to think worrying about safety while drinking is only for the girls. But did you know men aged 16-24 are most at risk of violence? Staying within the government’s daily guidelines will mean you’re more likely to walk away from a sticky situation than lashing out and ending up brawling on the pavement and getting yourself in trouble with the police.

Initiation ceremonies - a word of warning

Initiation ceremonies – where new students are made to drink heavily to ‘initiate’ them into a university club or society – are becoming less widespread. However they do still happen. What can start off as a bit of fun can quickly turn dangerous.

And if any potential member of any society feels forced to do anything they’re not comfortable with, it could be classed as harassment.

That’s why The National Union of Students is campaigning to ban initiation ceremonies.

There’s nothing in the rules of clubs that demand you drink dangerous amounts, and university authorities would come down hard on any official society that forced anyone to drink to become a member.

Don’t allow yourself to be pushed around. You’re joining the club for the activity, the sociability and for the fun of it. You can decide for yourself whether to do any initiation, and you may wonder whether a club that expects you to down a pint of vodka and baked beans one is really one you want to join.

Useful contacts

For more information about personal safety, check out the below links or make a note of the numbers:

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust
www.suzylamplugh.org

The Home Office’s guide to personal safety
www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/personalsafety.htm

National Union of Students
www.nus.org.uk

Drinkline can answer any queries to do with alcohol. Call them on 0800 917 8282.

Brook provides free sexual health advice and services for under-25s
www.brook.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 802 1234

References

1. Booze and you, Company magazine, December 2003, pp 94-96

Page last updated by

Unknown, 10 May 2012.

Page checked on

21 Aug 2009