How to stay safe on a night out

When you move to the big city, you're bound to want to explore the area and experience the incredible nightlife. However, it's equally important that you know how to stay safe on a night out. 

Moving away from home is a unique and enlightening experience which gives you more independence and responsibility. Without your family close by, you should definitely prioritise your personal safety and learn to look after yourself and others. 

Stick together

As the saying goes...there's always safety in numbers. Whether you're going for an evening walk or heading out for an event, make sure you go with your friends and stay together at all times. Don't wander off with someone you don't know, always stay close to your group. It might be a good idea to download the Find My Friends app if you end up losing someone from your group so you can easily keep track of their whereabouts. 

Watch your drinks

Never leave your drinks unattended, it's even a good idea to keep an eye on them as they're being made just in case. With drink spiking on the rise again you can never be too careful, so don't accept any drinks from strangers. You can even get anti-spiking covers that protect your drink, like this affordable 'CAPit' anti-spiking scrunchie. 

Drink sensibly 

It's easy to get carried away when you're enjoying yourself. Of course, we want you to enjoy yourselves but in moderation. You can place yourself in dangerous situations when your inhibitions are altered after drinking too much and it can cause you to act in a way that you usually wouldn't when sober. It's important that you know when to stop so you can keep your wits about you. 

Travel home safely

Even if your accommodation is nearby, NEVER walk home alone. Anything can happen between the journey from the venue to home. If you have to walk home make sure you're with someone you know and trust and stick to well-lit areas. Ideally, you should take a taxi home so you get back safely. Uber is one of the most popular taxi services in London and has plenty of safety features, such as being able to share your trip with trusted contacts. 

Keep valuables hidden 

Of course, you'll need to bring your phone and money out with you but you should always keep your eye on them. Avoid leaving your items unattended or having them on display as you never know who might spot them. Most of the time you are able to pay for things using your bank card on your phone so you can limit the amount of cash on you. Only take out what you need! 

Trust your instinct 

If something doesn't feel right in your gut, then it's usually not. If you end up in an uncomfortable situation try to remove yourself as quickly as possible. Most pubs, bars and clubs now make use of the 'Ask for Angela' campaign where you can approach a member of staff and ask for Angela as a subtle way of informing them that you feel unsafe. They can then make sure you get home safely, whether that is getting you a taxi or calling security/the police. 

We want you to make the most of student life but make sure you look after yourself and others in the big city. Stay sensible and safe!