Freshers is the best time to meet new faces, going to exciting events and the thrill of starting university life is kicking in. As you dive into the vibrant social scene that Sheffield has to offer, it’s a good idea to keep safety at the forefront of your plans. Speaking from personal experience, it’s easy to get carried away with excitement, but ensuring your well-being on nights out will help you enjoy freshers without worry.

We’ve put together this guide to help you navigate your first uni nights out with confidence, offering practical tips and advice for staying safe whilst making the most of your freshers experience. From planning ahead to staying alert, these helpful hints will help you find that sweet spot between having a blast and staying safe.

Spiking Awareness

Getting spiked is in absolutely no way your fault, in most cases being spiked involves someone adding something to your drink. This happens in bars and clubs all over the country, but it can happen in other places too, like at parties or social events.

It’s not the easiest thing to spot as the symptoms of spiking are very similar to being very drunk but it’s always helpful to keep an eye on your friends whilst your out.

To make it harder for the perpetrators to spike you, there are several things you can do:

• Ask for a drink/bottle cover at any venue - we’ve worked with the night time economy to get them in the majority of bars and clubs around Sheffield.

• Never put your drink down or let it out of your sight, if in doubt, pout it away.

• Don’t accept drinks from someone you don’t know.

• If you see someone acting unusually or trying to add something to someone’s drink, report them immediately.

Some substances used for spiking can’t be detected after 72 hours or even 12 hours, so doing this as early as possible can help the police find out what has happened. If you’re concerned about sexual assault, services such as Rape Crisis provide support and advice to people who’ve experienced sexual assault and violence.

Stay in Contact!

If you've just moved in with new housemates make sure to get everyone's number or make a group chat before your first night out. Not only will this be useful throughout the year but will help if you get locked out, lost, or need someone to come and get you.

Make a note…

If you’ve moved to a new address, make sure to make a note of the full address. This might seem silly but if you forget your address then you may not be able to get home safely.

Ask for Angela

Most venues in Sheffield operate the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme. This scheme is in place to help people who feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened and can discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff and asking them for ‘Angela’. This code-phrase will indicate to staff that you require help with the situation you’re in and a trained member of staff will then look to support and assist you. This might be through reuniting you with a friend, seeing you toa taxi, or by calling venue security and/or the police.

Get Charged Up

Always take a portable charger out with you to make sure you don’t get stranded without your phone, as we often use it for everything including contacting friends, taxis and paying!

Be Prepared

Get some cash out (cash is king after all), this is helpful if you lose your card or your phone has died as it means you’ll still be able to pay for a safe ride home.

Safe Square

A new initiative was introduced to Sheffield at the back end of last year named ‘Safe Square’, with the scheme in place to help those on nights out stay safe. They operate from 10 pm to 5:00 am offering the following:

• Medical assistance if you or one of your friends feels poorly or unwell

• Phone charging

• You can report any suspicious or dangerous behaviour (guide them on what you want them to do: they can report it immediately to all authorities, the city’s CCTV network & other venues to help keep the city centre safe.)

• You fancy a quick cuppa and a chat with one of their trained members of the team

• You’ve lost your friends and want to be safe whilst waiting to meet back up with them

They are currently based at Barker’s Pool (near the Sheffield War Memorial) but make sure to keep an eye on their facebook page before you head out so you’ll know their exact location and to double check the times they are around. You can also contact them through any bar or club and their dedicated phone line on 07508 669890.

Know your Limits

Freshers week is exciting, there’s lots to do, lots of friends to make, but you don’t want to be the person that’s throwing up on your new flatmates shoes and being brought home at 12am (that’s the quickest way to piss your new friends off). Take it steady with the alcohol, have regular cups of water (minimises the hangover as well = win win), and make sure you’ve eaten before you go out!

WalkSafe App

WalkSafe is the UK’s leading personal safety app which combines journey-sharing features and a national Safe Space map. It’s a very handy app to have downloaded on your phone to help you plan your journeys and nights out in the safest way. The personal safety app that was recently launched in Sheffield helps you plot safer routes home and shows you which venues in your area are designated ‘safe spaces’ for meeting relevant safety training standards. You can share your live location with trusted contacts, and the app will notify these contacts when you get home safe!

Find out more about the WalkSafe app and how to download it here: https://orlo.uk/Upqff

Safe Taxi Scheme

Veezu, formerly known as City Taxis, has pledged its support to students and sports fans in Sheffield throughout the year with its ‘Safe Rides’ initiative. Working in collaboration with the Students' Unions at the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University for over ten years, Veezu Safe Rides ensures that all students can get a lift home with the private hire company, even if they don't have any money available for the fare.

24 hours a day, seven days a week, students from the participating universities can book a journey with Veezu up to the value of £10 which can be paid at a later date.

By phoning 0114 239 39 39, quoting 'Sheffield University Safe Rides' or 'Sheffield Hallam University Safe Rides', a vehicle will be sent to stranded students. They must give a valid student ID card to the driver as temporary payment which will be passed on to the Students' Union, where the student can collect it and settle their payment within 72 hours. Members of staff at the Students' Unions are fully trained to offer support and advice about the service.

Sheffield’s Drug Monitoring Website:

Although this is obviously something we don’t condone at the SU, but we're not stupid and we know that students and drug use is not uncommon. If you do take illicit substances, we just want to make sure you’re as safe as possible.

• Start slow

• Wait for the effects to kick in

• Don’t make the error of taking too much because you’re impatient

• Make sure your friends know what you’ve taken

• Do not mix your drugs & alcohol (this can have unknown impacts and makes it more likely to overdose)

If you are struggling with drug addiction or abuse then you can get in touch with our advice service, who are non-judgemental and separate to the uni, or get in touch with Sheffield's Drugs & Alcohol Coordination Team.

Remember, while the thought of potential risks might seem daunting, staying informed and prepared is all you need to make the most of your nights out. By following these tips, you'll strike a balance between having a fantastic time and staying safe. So go ahead, embrace the fun of Freshers' Week with confidence, knowing that you're ready for anything and that your safety is a top priority.

Have Fun and Stay Safe Out There!