Responsible drinking 

Drinking can increase your vulnerability so it's important to be aware of what's going on around you. Following these few tips on a night out can make a difference to your well-being and ensure you have a good night.

Before a night out check that you have:

• a fully charged mobile phone
• money 
• keys
• condom
•  personal safety alarm

Use cash machines wisely, in groups and in the day if possible. Put your card and cash away as quickly as possible and be aware of who's around you. 

If you lose your phone or have it stolen while you are out, make sure you report this to your network provider to block calls being made from it. 

If you lose your wallet or cards while out, ring your bank/credit card company to stop your cards being used.

Think while you drink

• Know your drink tolerance level and that of your friends.. Don't leave your friends when they need you or you need them the most.
• Think about how much you are drinking.
• Don't go out on an empty stomach - you can guarantee on having a hangover the next day if you do.
• Don’t walk home alone - get a taxi, catch the women's minibus or walk home in groups.
• Make sure you save some money to get home safely.
• Avoid confrontation. Its better - and safer - to walk away if you're being hassled or provoked.
• If you are attacked, call 999 immediately. By attending the scene quickly, the police are more likely to catch your attackers, and possibly stop them from hurting others.

Drink spiking

During the last few decades, there has been a rise in the number of drug rapes and drug related attacks, mainly taking place in pubs and clubs where the opportunity to spike drinks is readily available. 

Here are a few tips to make sure you stay safe:

• Spikies (which stop your drink getting spiked) are free behind all Students' Union bars and are also available from the Welfare Officer.
•  Think before you accept a drink from anyone - make sure you see it either poured or opened.
• Never leave a drink unattended.
• If you return to a drink that has been moved, looks different, appears to have been topped up or tastes strange, don’t drink it.
• Do not share or exchange drinks
• Watch for signs that your drink may have been spiked - feeling light headed, excessively drunk or ill after only a few drinks. Let someone know and get to a place of safety.
• Drinks do not have to be alcoholic to be spiked.

Should you find yourself a victim of drink spiking, you should think about reporting this to the police. If the drink spiking turns into something more serious such as theft, rape or sexual assault, you should contact the police.