Finally, exams are ending and summer is here! If you’ll be out celebrating, plan on drinking or taking drugs, here are some tips you can follow to keep you and your mates safe.
1) Plan your journey and remember the SU’s Safe Taxi Scheme
Before you head out, plan how you’re going to get there and home safely. Tell your friends how you’ll be getting home so they can help you if needed. And remember, if you’re in Manchester and have run out of money for a taxi home, you can use the Students’ Union Safe Taxi scheme.
2) Charge your phone and share your live location
Ensure your phone is fully charged before heading out and share your live location with your friends, for example on WhatsApp or Snapchat, so you can find each other if you get separated.
3) If you drink, make sure your drinking works for you
We all know the feeling of regretting a night. If you’ve ever not made it out after pre drinks, forgotten bits of your night or, said something you regret, here’s some super simple tips to help you fine-tune your drinking.
4) If you’ll be using drugs, get a free testing kit and check our safety alerts
Free drug testing kits available for you to take home from the Advice Centre on the first floor of the Students’ Union, from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. We also share drug safety alerts on Student News, so you know when there’s something dodgy circulating in Manchester. There’s more information about our support for students who take drugs here.
5) Take control of your sexual wellbeing
If you’re having sex, a check-up every now and again is a good habit – it gives you the assurance that you won’t pass anything on to someone unknowingly. You can get tested close to campus or with free postal testing kits. Read more about sexual health, sexual wellbeing and sexual empowerment on our Student Support Team’s microsite.
6) Don’t be a creep
It’s not just a hug. It’s not just a joke. It’s not just a compliment. Don’t be a creep – and call out your friends if they’re not acting OK. The University of Manchester has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment. Read more about how you can become an active bystander, or what you can do if you have been a victim of harassment, here.
7) Remember not everyone is getting on it
If you’re hosting a party or having pre-drinks or an afters, be mindful that most people living in Fallowfield, Withington and other suburbs of Manchester aren’t students. Be kind. Loud music and noise can have a real impact on people’s mental health and their quality of life. If you have an issue with noise you can contact the council.