6 Top Tips For A Safe Halloween Night Out 

Halloween is already a spooky time of year, but let’s not make it any scarier than it needs to be! We’re lucky to live in a vibrant and diverse city and, while we always strive to maintain a safe environment for everyone to have fun, sometimes things go wrong. It’s really important to make sure that you’re doing everything you can to keep yourself (and your mates) free from harm this Halloween. 
From getting to and from a venue to drinking responsibly, Here are our 6 top tips for staying safe while you’re partying this week: 
 
Travel Safely 
If you’re walking at night, try not to do it alone. Stick to well-lit routes, be careful when crossing roads and remember if you’ve been drinking you are more vulnerable. Walk on the side of oncoming traffic so that vehicles can’t pull up next to you without you knowing. Make use of the UPSU Taxi Scheme if you’re struggling to get home! 
 

Watch Your Drink 
Obviously it’s important to know your limits and drink responsibly, but it only takes one drink to get spiked. Never leave your drink unattended, or accept a drink from someone you don’t know. If you or a friend suspects your drink has been spiked, you can take it to the bar to be tested and please alert a member of staff as soon as possible.  
Spiking someone’s drink is a serious crime and it can carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. 
 
Ask For Angela 
If you’re feeling threatened, unsafe, or vulnerable, head to the bar and ask for ‘Angela’. This will prompt a response by trained staff who are there to help you.  
 
Stick Together 
Our staff and security are always on-hand to help you, but remember not to leave your mates alone, let them go anywhere with a stranger, or try and make it home alone after drinking. Having a pre-agreed meeting place, a group chat and sharing your location with each other can be useful in case you get separated. There’s safety in numbers and it’s important to look out for your friends.  
 
Keep Track Of Your Belongings 
If you’re bringing a bag, keep it on you at all times. If you have to put it down for any reason, make sure it’s left with someone responsible who will protect it from getting stolen or damaged. Make sure nothing, like your phone, money, or keys, can fall out of your pockets while you’re doing the Monster Mash. 
 
Keep A Cool Head 
If things do go wrong – like a friend getting very drunk, a fight occurring, or you feel unsafe – remember to keep a cool head. Find the nearest member of staff and alert them to the problem. We’re here to help you. 
Please remember, if you are in immediate danger call the police on 999. 

 
Other Helpful Information For Your Nights Out This Halloween: 
 

UPSU Taxi Scheme: 
The UPSU Taxi Scheme, in partnership with Need A Cab, is designed to help you get home when you need it. If you’ve run out of money or lost your card, the scheme is there to help. 
Ring 01752 666222 to book. When the taxi arrives, they will contact you with their car model and registration number so you know exactly where to go. Use your student ID to “pay” for your fare and, the next morning, pick it up from the SU and pay the money owed. 
Remember, if you’re using a taxi service outside the UPSU scheme, make sure it is licensed and never get into a taxi that doesn’t know your name.  
 

Safe Sex Practices
If you plan to engage in sexual activities, ask yourself if you or the other individual(s) are intoxicated and therefore unable to make good choices, including consent. Is this something you both want and would still want if you were not intoxicated? Are you safe, and do you have protection if you do engage in sexual activities?  
You can read more about sexual health services in Plymouth here.  
 
General Safety Information For Nights Out In The SU: 
We work closely with local police to ensure that our campus and surrounding area is as safe as possible for our students. We have a number of measures, schemes and services which are in place to help keep you safe on nights out at the SU.  
Please familiarise yourself with our important policies and safety services: you never know when you or a friend may need our help.