Staying Safe this Autumn
We want everyone to have a fun and safe time during Welcome Week 2022 and beyond.
We know that many students choose to drink alcohol and use drugs, so it’s really important that you have the tools and knowledge you need to make decisions as safely as possible.
When buying a ticket to any Bristol SU event you agree to abide by the Bristol Rules, which outlines the 6 rules to follow when enjoying Bristol’s nightlife.
Here are some of our practical tips on how to stay safe while celebrating the start of your uni year:
Seek Support
If you have any issues during one of our Bristol SU run club nights, please speak to a Bristol SU staff member wearing pink hi-vis, we have a team of Welcome Angels who are there to make sure nothing ruins your night.
If you’d like advice or support around drugs or alcohol, Bristol SU has a partnership with The Drop which allows all students to receive free confidential support. To book an online or in-person session with The Drop you can call 0117 987 6000 or email info@bdp.org.uk. The Drop also offer free drugs reagent test kits for those who need them.
If you need wellbeing and mental health support, you can request it via the University’s Wellbeing Service by simply filling in a Request Wellbeing Support form. You can request support for yourself, or for a friend, and someone from the University will be in touch.
Know your limits
If you choose to use drugs or drink alcohol be cautious – make sure you understand what you’re taking, start with a small amount, and don't mix different substances. If you'd like to know more about different types of drugs or alcohol, take a look at The Drop, The Loop, or Talk To Frank.
Look after each other
Stick together when out and about in Bristol, and check in with each other regularly to make sure you’re all ok. If one of your group is feeling unwell, take that as a sign to end your night out and head home together.
Look after your drink
Keep an eye on your drink at all times and don't accept an unsealed drink, or a drink from someone you don't trust. Sadly drink spiking does happen so make sure you're looking after anything you might be drinking when you're out. If you suspect your drink has been tampered with, don't drink it.
Drink spiking is a criminal offence carrying a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Bristol SU takes all allegations of drink spiking extremely seriously and any student found to be spiking people’s drinks will be reported to both the University and the police. Drinks toppers and test kits are available behind the bar at all Bristol SU club night venues.
Make a Plan
Before heading out, make a plan with your friends about how you'll get home. It's a new city and it can be easy to get lost or split up from your group. Decide together how you'll be getting home and try not to leave anyone behind!
If you do loose each other, don’t’ forget that you can also share your location via popular apps such as WhatsApp, Google Map and Facebook Messenger. You can also share your trip status with people via the Uber App.
Respect our Neighbours
If you’re out celebrating the start of the uni year, please remember that others around you won't be quite so excited! One of the things that makes Bristol so great is that our campus and student accommodation is spread across the city. This does mean though that you should always be mindful of not disturbing other Bristol residents around you.
It’s a really simple message from us: keep the noise down, especially from 11pm onwards, and tidy up after yourself.
Keep Away From The Edge
Don’t be tempted to sit by the harbourside at night. Keep away from the edge and be extra careful near the water. Cold water shock makes getting out of the harbour even harder when you are intoxicated.
Safe and Healthy Sex
We’ll be providing harm reduction kits in university halls this year, which will contain condoms, drink measuring cups, lube and items from Bristol Drugs Project.
And remember, if it's not an enthusiastic yes, it's a no.
