The best nights out are when you know your limits, watch out for your friends and get home safely!
The best nights out are when you know your limits, watch out for your friends and get home safely!
Whether you’re new to going out or know your way around Broad Street, there are simple ways to keep yourself and others safe. Our harm reduction approach aims to give you judgement-free advice to help you make safer, more informed choices.
Staying safe when drinking alcohol
Drinking at home
Knowing your limits is one of the best ways to reduce risks and take care of yourself. You can get a head start on this by eating a good meal before you start drinking. There can sometimes be pressure to binge at pres (pre-drinks), but this can quickly push you into being more drunk than feels comfortable. Know your own limits, you shouldn’t feel pressured to drink heavily before the event or be ‘drunk enough’ for the club.
Pace your drinks and stay hydrated. It’s also a good idea to set aside a drinks budget for the night, which you can even withdraw in cash to help you feel less dread when you check your bank account in the morning!
Remember that alcohol affects everyone differently; don’t feel obliged to catch up to anyone's drinking, even if you’re playing drinking games! Vomiting up a drink is always more embarrassing than saying no. Finally, plan your route home before you start drinking. Never let someone who has been drinking drive you home! Remember to stay in a group and never leave anyone behind.
At the event
Spiking can happen in the blink of an eye, which is why it’s important to refuse drinks from people you don’t know or don’t trust. If you’re worried that you or a friend has been spiked, speak to a member of staff. If you or a friend feels unsafe for any reason, speak to a member of staff and ‘Ask for Angela’. They will know how to help you safely and discreetly. You can also pick up drink toppers from our Drug and Alcohol Information Stalls to use during nights out.
If you choose to use drugs
If you choose to use drugs, there are ways to watch out for yourself and mitigate risks. Firstly, leave the mixing to the DJ! Mixing drugs (or drugs with alcohol) can make their effects unpredictable. This can be even scarier if you’re new to the substance, or unsure how strong it is. You should always research a drug before you use it, and it’s a good idea to get it tested too.
Similarly with alcohol, pacing yourself is crucial, starting with lower doses and waiting to feel the effects. If you feel unwell or become concerned about yourself or a friend, tell someone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Staff at venues and emergency services are there to keep you safe, not to judge you.
What support is there?
Throughout the year, the Guild runs Drug and Alcohol Information Stalls with Aquarius, including during Welcome. These are opportunities to have judgment-free conversations, ask questions and find support around drug and alcohol use.
The University of Birmingham’s ‘Better than Well’ programme is the UK’s first university-led recovery programme. It offers peer-to-peer and academic psychiatric support, sober events, and weekly meetings to those recovering from any form of addiction.
Talk to Frank is a really useful service, offering free confidential advice about drugs.
Have a flick through the Guild’s Keep Safe and Safe Night Out pages to find out more about staying safe, drugs and alcohol, and the support available to you.
Your safety on nights out is incredibly important. We hope that you make friends, get involved in events and enjoy your time. This is why we maintain a range of measures to help students stay safe, from information and support to initiatives designed to make nights out safer.
Asking for help is the most responsible thing anyone can do.
Disclaimer: The Guild does not condone the use of drugs or alcohol, and their use will always carry a risk of harm. The information we provide does not constitute or replace medical advice.
Written by your Welfare & Community Officer 2026-27, Sumpa.