A gradient background of blue to green, with safety icons surrounded the word Keep Safe.

Keep Safe

TW: Mentions of sexual violence and harassment

Your safety and welfare are a priority for us at the Guild, which is why we’ve put this page together to share useful tips to keep you safe at university.

Explore Keep Safe

From staying safe at home or on a night out, we’ve got you covered.

an image of a person using a mobile with the word safety on the mobile

Personal Safety

From staying safe on campus to safety in your home, explore key information and available support.

Personal Safety

Drugs and Alcohol

The Guild has committed, alongside the University, to a harm reduction approach to drugs and alcohol.

Drug and Alcohol Support

We are teaming up with SOS UK and their Drug and Alcohol Impact programme and are committed to ensuring access to support for students who are having difficulties. We aim to facilitate open discussions, reduce stigma, signpost to available support, and help you make informed decisions.

The information we provide does not constitute or replace medical advice and we acknowledge that the use of alcohol and drugs will always carry a risk of harm. Drugs and alcohol both have short- and long-term effects on our physical and mental health and wellbeing. They can also affect how we interact with people and impact academic life. We aim to give you information and guidance to minimise negative effects where possible and would encourage you to seek help.

Always call 999 if you need emergency help

Alcohol

We take a harm reduction approach that increases understanding and awareness helping students make informed decisions.

The NHS advises that we shouldn’t drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week on a regular basis, roughly 6 pints or 10 small glasses of wine. More than this is binge drinking.

Symptoms that indicate help is needed: Persistent Vomiting, Slow or Irregular Breathing, Unconsciousness, Fitting, Hypothermia.

Tips to Help

  • Consecutive alcohol-free days each week
  • Soft drinks in between alcoholic drinks to slow down intake.
  • Know your own limits.
  • If drinking at home, consider measures and how much you are pouring.
  • Mixing drugs and alcohol can result in dangerous and unpredictable effects
  • Have a substantial meal before you go out drinking alcohol.
  • Only take the cash you want to spend.
  • If you are driving the next day, reduce your intake – you can be over the limit hours later.
  • Look out for your mates – go home together

Drugs

The Guild does not condone the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs.

The best advice is always not to take drugs, however, we know some students may choose to do so during their time here. If you do, please make sure you know what you’re taking, understand the risks, and take steps to stay safe.

Symptoms that indicate help is needed: Persistent Vomiting, Paranoia, Chest Pains, Fitting, Overheating and Dehydration.

Steps to Stay Safe

  • Research and understand what you are taking and its possible effects from trusted sources.
  • Don’t take alone - have trusted people around you.
  • Mixing drugs and alcohol can result in dangerous and unpredictable effects.
  • Go low and go slow. Drugs are becoming more potent so start with low doses, wait to feel the effects (they are not instantaneous).
  • You can’t judge the purity of a drug by looking at it and purity will vary.
  • Stay hydrated with non-alcoholic drinks. The guidance is roughly one pint of water per hour. Sip gradually – don’t drink lots at once.

Alcohol Support

For information on recognising the symptoms of drink spiking visit our Safe Night Out Page.

Drug Support

Websites, services, and support lines:

Latest Student Deals