Safety on nights out

Nights out can be a big part of the student experience. It's so important you know the best safety precautions to take to ensure you have a good time.

Before you go out

  • Plan your way home in advance. Ask yourself: When is the last train? Do you need to pre-book a mini cab? Is there a night bus that stops nearby? Which friends can you go home with? Know your options to make sure you get home smoothly and safely.
  • Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a backup power source.
  • If you need to bring cash, get it from an ATM during daylight hours. Make sure you have enough money for the ride home.
  • Store your phone, keys, card, ID and other valuables safely so you don’t lose them.

If you’re going to pre-drinks, be careful of your alcohol intake. Alcohol in moderation is fine, but it can make you vulnerable. Remember that alcohol affects judgement and decision-making which can put you at risk.

Stay with friends you trust

There’s safety in numbers and you can look out for each other. If you need to step away from the group, ask a friend to go with you and let the others know where you’re going.

Stay connected through a group chat so you can check-in on each other if you get separated. If you can, go home together and make sure everyone knows how and what time they're going to get home.

Watch your drink

Know your limits – be mindful of how much you’re drinking. Pace your drinks and be familiar with what alcohol units are. The UK’s Chief Medical Officers advise that it’s safest to drink no more than 14 units a week.

Did you know? One pint of strong beer or large wine can contain more than 3 units of alcohol. You can also check out Drink Aware’s unit calculator to get a better idea of this.

If you choose to drink. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Eat well and have a good meal beforehand - drinking on an empty stomach is a bad idea
  • Make sure you stay hydrated and drink water throughout the night
  • Know the signs of being too drunk, e.g slurred speech, losing balance, blurred vision
  • Avoid mixing different types of alcohol
  • Never take an unknown substance or drug as this can be dangerous

Always watch your drink and never leave it unattended. Never accept drinks from strangers. While drink spiking is rare, it’s so important to be aware of the signs and minimise risks. Spiking is a serious crime. Learn more about Spiking here.

Respect and consent

When you are out you should treat everyone with respect.

Make sure you read social cues - if someone doesn’t want to talk to you or looks uncomfortable, it's best to leave them alone. Never pressure others to drink or touch someone without their consent. Be aware of Consent and the law.

Getting home safely

If you are walking:

  • Don’t walk alone and stay with your friends.
  • Stick to well-lit areas and open spaces – preferably where there’s lots of people and security cameras.
  • Don’t risk going through poorly lit shortcuts, especially through dark alleys or parks.
  • Walk facing oncoming traffic.

When taking public transport at night:

  • Avoid empty train or tube carriages.
  • Avoid waiting at isolated bus stops.
  • On the night bus - sit close to the driver on the lower floor if you can. If someone bothers you, tell the driver.

Taking taxis safely

Often it's worth the extra cost to ride comfortably and reach home safely. Remember only London’s famous black cabs can be stopped in the street.

Mini cabs are regular cars that charge a fixed price and must be booked in advance. Only use registered and licensed mini cab firms, you can search for those in your area on the Transport for London website.

When booking you can ask what type of car they will send. When they arrive, you can ask the driver who they have come to collect. Never get into a mini cab that you haven’t ordered, these are illegal.

If you feel unsafe

If there's an immediate danger, call the emergency services on 999. If you are on campus you can call City's Security 24h emergency line on (020 7040) 3333.

You can report a crime by calling 101 (non-emergency number) or online on the Metropolitan Police website.

In case you are in a situation where you feel unsafe you can notify a member of the venue staff or Ask for Angela if they are signed up the scheme. You can also seek help from Safe Havens in the area.

For further support, reach out to your Support services at City.