Starting university usually means a new environment, new people and new situations. Although everything is all very exciting it is important to make sure that you are keeping yourself safe. Throughout freshers I heard lots of rumours and horror stories of situations which had supposedly happened to other freshers, and although most of them were just hearsay some were situations which could have easily happened and they were a good reminder to keep vigilant.
It is important that you have fun during freshers, and throughout the year, but there are some measures you can take to make sure that you keep yourself, and others, as safe as possible whilst doing so.
It is important that you have fun during freshers, and throughout the year, but there are some measures you can take to make sure that you keep yourself, and others, as safe as possible whilst doing so.
• Try to avoid walking home on your own in the dark, and around areas which you are not familiar with. Let a flatmate, or a friend, know where you are going and what time you should be back.
• Ask a member of the Student Union or Residents Association which taxi firm you should use. Some universities have a particular firm that they recommend. Always pre-book taxis, especially if you are getting it on your own, don't get into taxis on the street.
• Make sure you insure your personal valuables such as your phone or laptop, and try to keep these hidden if you are carrying them around. Using a sports bag instead of a laptop bag is a good tip.
• On nights out, don't take drinks from strangers and keep an eye on your own drink. Don't put your drink down to come back to it. You may think minesweeping is the perfect way to save some money on a night out, but just don't do it, you don't know what's in those drinks.
You can get special devices which sit in the top of bottles to stop anything being placed in your drink but I find that just placing your hand on top of the drink helps to avoid your drink being tampered with.
• Buddy up. Make sure that no one ends up being left on their own in the club or makes their way home on their own.
• Know your limit. It is very easy to drink to excess when you're at university, but it is so important that you know when you have had enough. If anything, it is embarrassing when you get out of hand, but it can also be dangerous.
Alternating your drinks with a soft drink or water can help keep you from becoming too intoxicated or out of control.
• Keep emergency funds. Sometimes circumstances happen which you couldn't have predicted and having either some cash or money which you can withdraw is a good idea in case you do get stuck in a sticky situation.
• Most student unions tend to offer free self defence classes. Keep an eye out for these being advertised and go along.
• Know that no really does mean no. If you feel uncomfortable with anything or anyone, walk away.
It makes me pretty sad that I have to list these things. Freshers is supposed to be a really happy time but unfortunately sometimes really awful things do happen. If you use your common sense I am sure you'll be fine. Please keep yourself safe.
Xx
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