Monday 14-11-2022 - 11:50

When moving away from home and starting your studies you’re probably a little nervous, a little excited and a little anxious about what to do first. In the midst of all the excitement and new changes, it can be easy to forget certain safety tips when moving to a new city. Be sure you keep these tips in mind so something doesn’t happen to ruin the excitement during your studies. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Travel

•    Plan where you are going, how you’re travelling and how you are going to get back, before leaving home.
•    Tell someone in your household or a friend, where you are going and when you'll be back so they know when to expect you; saves them calling you to see if you are ok.
•    At night keep to well-lit streets (there are some useful apps such as Walksafe), and where possible walk with friends.
•    Use the bus or share a taxi with friend, Liverpool Hope University offer a safe taxi scheme for residential students we have attached a link where you can find more information>  http:// https://www.hope.ac.uk/gateway/students/studentdevelopmentandwell-being/healthathope/personalsafety/.

•    Don’t listen to your music or audio or if you do only use one earpiece and keep the volume down so you can hear approaching traffic and people around you. 

•    Make sure your mobile phone has plenty of charge in it before leaving home!

 

Drink sensibly 

As a university student, alcohol is everywhere you look. If you are living away from home - you can stay out as late as you want, do whatever you want and it is a time to enjoy yourself and learn how to live independently! The last thing you want you want is for a nasty incident to spoil all the experiences uni has to offer.  

Firstly, never feel pressured to drink alcohol if it isn’t your thing according to Drink Aware "20% of adults (aged 16+) do not drink alcohol" - it can be a great choice to have an active hangover-free social life. 

However we understand that it is unrealistic to expect all university students to opt for an alcohol- free lifestyle so we have given some tips to ensure that you remain safe: 

•    Eat before you head out! - Food helps slow the absorption of alcohol, stopping it going to your head too quickly. Alcohol is full of calories but has no real nutritional value, so it is advisable that you don’t drink on an empty stomach.
•    Know your limits- We’ve all heard of a tactical chunder however if you reach this point it is probably time to go home. Turning down a drink is less embarrassing than throwing up one. It takes up to an hour to process each unit of alcohol slow and steady wins the race. Drink water between drinks and don’t feel pressured to keep up with your friends as everyone’s tolerance is different. Spread your drinks and save money!

 

Watch your drink 

Unfortunately, the spiking crisis has become an epidemic among British nightlife. In recent months it has become a common occurrence to see ne stories appear all over social media and in real life. People should not have to accept this danger as part and parcel of a night out. We have listed a number of things that you can potentially watch out for/ do to minimise the risk!

 

•  When a drink gets tempered with there can be signs, such as excessive bubbles, ice sinking and a cloudy appearance. Watch out for these!
• Watch your drink being poured likewise never accept a drink from a stranger if you have not seen it being made!
•  Never leave your drink unattended while you dance or go to the toilet.
• Throw your drink away if you think it tastes strange or different.
•  If you start to feel strange, sick or drunk when you know that you couldn’t be drunk, get help from a trusted friend or the venue management.
•  If you think you may have been spiked, ask a close friend to get you out of the venue or party as soon as possible and either take you home or to hospital (if seriously unwell). You could also ring a friend, relative or partner and ask them to come and pick you up.
• If you feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened you can ask for help by approaching venue staff and asking for ‘Angela’. This is a coded-phrase that indicates you need help and a trained member of staff will support and assist you. You can also ask for 'Angela' if you are in any situation where you feel threatened or at risk.

 

Security 

Liverpool is a safe city, and the majority of students do not encounter any problems. However, in common with all cities crime does occur. it is important to keep yourself and your possessions safe. Simple precautions that don’t cost much time or money can be put in place and give you a lot more peace of mind!
•    Do not leave bags or any valuable items (such as phones, laptops etc) unattended
•    If you own a bike invest in a good lock and ensure you remember to lock it by the frame and wheel to a fixed object even outside your student accommodation. 
•    Make sure you secure your accommodation, never leave your windows or doors unlocked if you are not in the room. 
•    Be wary of buying tickets online, as there are high numbers of people selling on fraudulent tickets that will not actually gain you entry into a club/venue. Only buy from trusted websites!
•    Install security software on your laptop to detect high risk sites. 

If you need any support of you are feeling overwhelmed living away from home, the SU is here to help. Please feel free to pop into our office (room FML009) or email suadvice@hope.ac.uk to arrange a meeting. 

 

Useful resources :

Security

Security Lodge Hope Park- 0151 291 3520
Security Lodge Creative Campus- 0151 291 3939
Security Lodge Aigburth Park- 0151 727 7262

Safe taxi scheme for residential students 

Call Computer Cabs on 0151 298 2222 and quote “Liverpool Hope University Safe Taxi Scheme.” Give the operator your Student ID number.

Merseyside police

Merseyside Police - How to Stay Safe

 

Liverpool Student Homes 

Liverpool Housing

 

Drink Aware

Drink aware support & advice