Whether you’re out celebrating after assignment hand-in or having one final night out before you go home for Christmas, take note of the following safety tips to make sure your festivities aren’t spoiled.

Stick with your friends

The best way to stay safe at night is to stick with your friends. But if you find yourself on your own, here are some tips:

• If on campus, use our night-time walking taxi service by contacting Campus Security (Canterbury only)
• Get a registered taxi – save some money for the end of the night, so you can be brought straight home
• Check the 24-hour bus timetable
• Get a free personal safety alarm from Campus Security in Canterbury or the Medway Building reception in Medway
• Go out with Medway Activities. The University-run Medway Activities team organises a range of social activities including night club trips which include transport from Liberty Quays (Medway only)
• Be alert – don’t walk home listening to music or on the phone
• Stick to well-lit and busy areas. Avoid car parks and underpasses
• Keep your valuables hidden – cover-up expensive looking jewellery, mobiles, keys, cash and cards

There’s more safety advice on the Kent Police website.

Watch your drink

Avoid getting spiked by following these safety measures:

• Don’t leave your drink unattended
• Never accept a drink from a stranger or someone you don’t trust
• If you feel ill, slightly drunk or wasted when you know you shouldn’t, your drink could have been spiked. If so, tell someone you trust and get to a safe place

Drinkaware also has some tips for limiting how much you drink on a night out.