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Having fun safely
While you are at university or college a lot of your time will be spent going out and enjoying yourself. Follow these simple points to ensure that everyone stays safe and has fun:
General Safety
- When you're new to York speak to students who've been here longer about places to go out in York and also those to avoid.
- Go out in a group, stay as a group, and go home as a group – it’s safer and cheaper.
- Look out for your friends and don't let others take advantage of them.
- In public places, keep your bag on your lap.
- Don't leave coats and jackets containing valuables unattended.
- Avoid using cash points in badly lit or isolated areas, particularly late at night.
- Keep to well-lit, main street areas.
- Never leave without telling anyone or walk home alone. Phone a flatmate if you decide to stay out for the night.
- Keep a small amount of money separate from your wallet for getting home at the end of the night.
Alcohol & Drugs
- Drink spiking is on the increase and is regularly reported to city centre police officers by students. Many people believe drink spiking only happens to girls, but it doesn't, men are also at risk. Remember drink spiking doesn’t just involve drugs, you can be spiked with alcohol too.
- It takes only 15 minutes for the effect of rape drugs to kick in, and they can wipe out 8 hours of memory. Never leave your drink unattended.
- Only accept a drink from a stranger if you have accompanied them to the bar and watched it being served.
- Ask the bar staff to remove bottle tops in your presence. Keep the bottle in your hand & use your thumb to cover the top. The biggest substance used in drink spiking isn't Rohypnol or Ketamine but friends putting extra vodka to 'assist' others in having a good time. If you're that friend you could be putting someone at risk.
- Know your limits and don't drink more than you can handle!
If you feel your drink has been spiked take the following steps immediately:
1. Seek help from someone you trust 100%
2. Seek medical assistance
3. Report the matter to the police by telephoning 0845 60 60 24 7.
The main drugs used to spike drinks are out of the system very quickly so the police will only do urine tests up to 72 hours after the incident.
Party Safe is a project Higher York have developed along with the Students' Unions around York, aimed at raising awareness about student safety on nights out.
The main issues addressed include drink safety awareness, student friendly nights and getting home safely.
For more information about Party Safe contact info@higheryork.org or click here to read the press release for the event.
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