By Meg Day at SSESS
If you’re starting at UCL this year, there's a good chance you could have your first clubbing experience of your life this week. Which is very exciting! Nightclubs are truly unique places, and London has some of the best in the world. However, it always pays to take sensible and relevant precautions in these spaces.
Here is a comprehensive (yet not exclusive) list of ways to club safely:
Go with friends
Going to the club on your own can be very tempting, the sense of independence and empowerment it implies is particularly attractive when considering that you’ve just moved to a new city, and for many of you, a new country too. However, there are some people out there looking to take advantage of people alone in clubs. In some cases, individuals who are seen to be alone are directly targeted. If you feel unsafe, go straight to one of the security staff. Venues want to look after their guests, so don't feel shy about asking for help.
Plus, going with a group is more fun! It’s a really great and fast way to get to know your new coursemates/flatmates. Most of the big nights out in the first few weeks will start in one of the bars on campus, so head there first and meet people to go to the club with. Alternatively, your course/halls may have a Facebook or WhatsApp group where you can find people to tag along with.
It might be handy to have everyone in your group turn their location on once they're in the club, so you can find your mates at the end of the night. However, this can drain your battery - so be smart and pack a portable charger.
Take a bumbag, but not the kitchen sink
Everyone knows someone who knows someone that’s lost something important in a club. When I was working behind the bar, we saw countless wallets/phones/bags be handed in - and it was always worsened by the fact that people would bring so much with them. If your purse has every card that you own, as well as a lot of cash in it, then loosing it makes it that much worse. Be sensible, and only take what you’re actually going to need for the night, and make sure you have it somewhere - like a bumbag - that isn’t easily lost.
Unfortunately, pick-pocketing is still an issue, especially in busy clubs - so make sure you keep an eye on your belongings. It's best to keep your phone and wallet in zipped compartments (either a bag or a pocket) - never leave them in your back pocket! This applies both in the club and on your way home.
Staying safe in the club
There have been many incidents of drink spiking in the news recently, and it's important to take extra precautions to avoid this. It goes without saying, but never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers. Many bars now have anti-spiking drinks covers available for free - just ask a member of staff. As well as this, if you see anyone acting suspiciously, ensure you report them to security.
Many bars and clubs in London - including our very own Union bars - are part of Ask for Angela. This is usually advertised on posters in bathroom stalls, so it's worth checking! This means that if you feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened, you can discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff and asking them for 'Angela'. They will then help to support and assist you with exiting the situation.
If you're interested in finding out more about keeping yourself and others safe, why not train as an Active Bystander? You'll be taught how to approach incidents of sexual misconduct, bullying, harassment and more.
Make sure you know how you’re getting home
There’s a number of ways to get home at night in London. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and FreeNow allow you the option to book a ride home in advance if you know what time you’ll be leaving the club. In terms of TFL, make sure you know your bus route or what time each tube line closes. Try and travel back home with someone you trust, too.
It's worth downloading Citymapper to find out the best route home if you're in an area you're unfamiliar with.
It goes without saying that the reason any of us go to a nightclub is to have fun! As long as you take the relevant precautions, you’ll be able to enjoy your night and make some amazing memories.