The darker nights during winter months can increase the risks associated with personal safety when out and about, whether that’s on foot, bike, public transport, or taxi. And at this time of year, socialising in the evenings, will inevitably result in you being out after dark. If you choose to combine socialising with alcohol, it’s a good idea to be extra alert to these increased risks and take steps to keep yourself as safe as possible.
Keeping Safe in Winter
Black background with blurred Christmas lights in the foreground
Safety tips
Whatever the reason you find yourself out in the dark, a few simple tips can make all the difference to your safety:
- Be alert to your surroundings. Do not walk whilst chatting on your mobile phone or with earphones in.
- Stick to well-lit and well-used areas. Do not take short cuts through dark and remote alleyways, parks or wasteland.
- If you think you are being followed, go to the nearest place where there are other people and call the police while on your way there (all College Porters’ Lodges are open to all Cambridge students!)
- If you ride a bike, make sure you have some lights and that they work!
- If you have concerns about a group of people or a particular situation, keep away and find a well-lit, busier area.
- Let friends and family know where you are and what time you will be expected.
- Walk with a friend or in a group where possible.
- Make sure your location settings, on your mobile phone, are switched on.
Safer drinking
No amount of alcohol can be considered safe. However, practicing ‘safe drinking’ can reduce your risk of harm. Health Direct recommend these top tips for ‘safer drinking’.
- Understand both how much alcohol you are having and how much you should have.
- Eat before (and during) drinking sessions.
- Count your drinks. Set yourself a limit and stick to it.
- Alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic or lower alcohol drinks.
- Skip the drinking games and shots.
- Don’t drink and drive or cycle!
- Just say ‘no’ if you don’t want to drink alcohol or have had enough.
It is also important to be aware of the dangers of drink spiking. You can read more about this on our Wellbeing Blog, June 2023 Drink-spiking – Trinity Hall. Drinkaware also has advice and support around drinking Advice and support | Drinkaware.
To find out more about how to keep yourself safe as a student, the following resources may be useful:
Personal Safety
Cycle Safety
If you have any concerns about your personal safety or you just need advice or someone to talk to, you can discuss this with your Tutor or the Wellbeing Team (wellbeing@trinhall.cam.ac.uk). To find out more about the services provided by the University and the students’ union, please visit the University’s student support pages: www.studentsupport.cam.ac.uk/
Keep safe!
