We all want to have a great time, but when going out in a busy city it’s important to also be safe. We have gathered some helpful tips and services to help you stay safe on a night out.
BE AWARE OF Drink Spiking
Before heading out, you should be aware of the potential dangers that could occur. Unfortunately, drinking spiking can happen, even if you don’t drink alcohol. To protect yourself from spiking:
- Watch your drink being poured and don’t leave your drink unattended.
- Only accept drinks from people you know and trust.
- Ask at the bar for a free drink cover or disposable bottle stopper. These are available at Atmosphere (our on campus bar) and lots of other bars in the city.
What to do if you or your friend are spiked
If you think you or a friend has been spiked it’s important to tell someone as soon as you can:
- Alert a member of staff or security if you’re at a venue.
- Stay with your friend and keep talking to them; don’t let them go home on their own or leave with someone you don’t know.
- Call 999 if you’re in immediate danger. If it isn’t an emergency, call 101 or report it online to the police.
If you’re unsure if you’ve been spiked, or you or someone else has symptoms call 111 for medical advice, or 999 if symptoms get worse.
Plan Your Journey Home
Transport can be limited late at night. Plan how you’ll get home before your night out and make sure services are running as expected. From public transport to Uber, there are different options for you to get home.
- Trains run until about midnight depending on where you live. Take a look to see if one can get you home on Trainline.
- There are tram locations throughout Manchester, and many offer night services.
- Night buses are a great and cheap way to travel after midnight. The 50, 36 and V1 routes pass by campus, but there are other services that you can use to get around Greater Manchester.
- Uber is a another option that can get you home safely, especially if public transport isn’t available. If you use Uber, make sure to keep your code to yourself and share your ride with friends so they can track your journey.
If you find yourself walking home, keep to well-lit and busy areas. You can call Strut Safe to have a friendly voice to keep you company and help make you feel safe until you arrive at home.
Stay With Your Friends
It may sound obvious, but staying with your friends is an important part of staying safe. In busy places it can be easy to lose your group. Stick together, check in with each other regularly, and make sure no one gets left behind.
Before the night:
- Charge your phone. You’ll need your phone to message friends and get home, so charge your phone before you leave.
- Make a group chat. Include everyone you’re going out with, so you can reach them easily throughout the night.
During the night:
- Decide on a meet up spot. If you do accidentally drift apart having a location to meet back can be helpful.
- Speak up. If you’re feeling unwell or uncomfortable, tell a friend or ask a member of staff for help.
- If someone seems more intoxicated than expected, don’t ignore it. Step in and get help.
Other General Tips
Try these other tips to help you drink responsibly and stay safe:
- Hydrate: Remember to drink water or other non-alcoholic beverages throughout the night and before bed.
- Try not to mix your drinks: Stick to the same or similar drinks to help you feel more in control.
- Keep valuables out of sight: Keep your phone and cards safe in a bag or secure pockets.
- Trust your gut: If a situation doesn’t feel right, find a way to avoid it or leave.
- Download SafeZone: With SafeZone you’ll have quick access to first aid and can report suspicious behaviour if you’re on campus or at Manchester University or Manchester Metropolitan University. If an urgent situation arises, call emergency services.
- Check if the venue have Ask for Angela. This is a scheme where you can discreetly ask for help from a member of staff if you feel uncomfortable or are in a difficult situation.
- Check if the venue have Ask for Clive, so you can discreetly ask for help if you experience any LGBTQIA+ discrimination.
Make a report via Report It
Everyone deserves to feel safe on campus, at home, and on a night out. If you or someone you know experiences or sees drink spiking, abuse, harassment, or other unacceptable behaviours, Report It. We have a team dedicated to supporting you in these situations, with the option to be contacted by an advisor or report anonymously.