Staying safe on a night out
Follow our tips to make sure you have a great - but safe - night out.
- Eat before you drink
Do you really like hangovers? If not, doing something as simple as eating a meal before you go out will help you stay in control and feel fresh the next day. - Charge your phone
From finding out where you are to calling a taxi to get home, your phone is your essential friend on a night out. Look after it. - Make sure you know how to get home
Download the First Bus app before you go out - you can check timetables and even track your bus. Save Streamline taxis in your phone (01904 65 65 65) for a lift home even if you don’t have your fare. Just leave your University card with them and pay the next day when you collect it. - Drink non-alcoholic drinks too
To reduce the chances of drinking more than you intended and becoming ill, you should aim to drink less than 14 units per week, spread over several days. This is roughly the same as six pints of beer or six glasses of wine. This will also reduce the chances of you engaging in risky behaviour, such as drug-taking. Do you know how many units you’re drinking? - Mind the rivers
Don’t be a statistic. York’s rivers are dangerous and people do drown in them. Stay clear, especially if you’re drinking alcohol. - Watch your drink and don’t spike others
Don’t leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers. Many bars will provide lids for your drink to help avoid spiking. Equally, don’t add multiple shots to friends’ drinks without their knowledge. This is not what friends do. - Know who you can call on for help
Trust your instincts - if you feel unsafe, act on that feeling.- Some venues support initiatives such as Ask Angela, so you can approach staff for support.
- Look out for Nightsafe - they’re volunteers in orange high-vis jackets who patrol the city centre on YUSU club nights and can help if you’re feeling unwell or need advice.
- Download the Safezone app for help on campus.
- Read about how to help someone who has drunk too much.
- Stick together and make sure you all get home
Look after your friends, stay together, make arrangements for everyone to get home and check in when you get in.
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust has more information on personal safety when out and about, as well as transport safety.