As exams come to a close, we know you’re itching to break free from Blue 2 and are ready to celebrate in style. But please remember to be considerate of those who aren’t celebrating and make sure you and your friends stay safe.
Ways to celebrate
If you’re after some inspiration for ways you can celebrate, student blogger, Laura has something for everyone in her must-see guide of local attractions. You can also check our list of the top 100 things to do in Manchester.
If you and your friends are planning end of exam partying but drinking isn’t for you or you’re still keeping up with your promise of a dry-January, read our student blogger’s tips for making the most of a zero-alcohol night out, where Aidan share’s his zero alcohol university experience.
If you will be drinking and taking drugs, however, there’s some good advice here for how to do so safely.
Staying Safe
We know a lot of this might be common sense, but here are some reminders on how you can make your nights out as safe as possible:
Stick together
If you’re on a night out, it’s always best to stay in a group, keep an eye out for each other and try and be aware that drinking can affect everyone’s judgement. Make sure your phone is charged before you go, so if you do get separated you can contact your friends – and vice versa.
When you’re leaving to go home, make sure that no one’s left behind, and don’t let anyone wait around on their own.
Let people know where you are, and how you’re getting home
Make sure someone knows where you are and what time you’re due home.
If you’re getting a taxi, make sure you wait in a safe place and check the driver’s ID before you get in. Do not flag down private taxis unless you have pre-booked them. Only black hackney carriages can be flagged down in the street. The Students’ Union Safe Taxi Scheme means that if you run out of cash and need to get home, you can give StreetCars Taxis your student card in lieu of payment, and pay the following day when you collect your card from the Students’ Union Helpdesk.
Be aware of your surroundings
If you are on foot, try and stay on well-lit routes and whenever possible avoid isolated areas, especially if you’re alone.
Strolling and scrolling is something most of us do, but it’s definitely a better idea to keep your phone out of sight. Not only for the security of your phone, but it only takes a few seconds to be distracted whilst checking Instagram or changing tracks that you step out into the road without checking.
Read our full list of safety tips, resources and safe spaces around the city.
Be considerate
Whilst you’re out having fun, always try to remember that not everyone is sharing your celebrations. You may well have neighbours who aren’t students who might have work or small children in bed. Even if all your neighbours are students they might not have finished their exams yet.
So keep noise to a minimum, especially when you’re leaving and when you’re coming home so you don’t keep your neighbours up all night. If there are celebrations in your house let them know and make sure your guests are also considerate.
If there are any issues with disturbances in your community, please ring Manchester City Council’s Licensing and Out of Hours Team on 0161 234 5004. The team works until 4.30am most mornings.