A

At the Start

B

Bathrooms

C

Compromise

D

Doctors

E

Events

F

Food

G

Going Out

H

Helping Out

I

Internet

J

Jam Tarts

K

Kilometre or not

L

Laundry

M

Making Plans

N

Not Happy

O

Other Students

P

Paperwork

Q

Questions

R

Rice Pudding

S

Stereotypes

T

Trips Away

U

Urgent contact

V

Visitors & Guests

W

Weather

X

X-rays & Airports

Y

Your Adventure

Z

zzz… Sleep!

Going out independently is an important part of living overseas. This page looks at how to stay safe, especially in the evening. Any issues relating to Covid-19 will be managed separately as the need arises.

Preparing to Go Out

Phone, Wallet, KeysPhone, Wallet, Keys
Before you go out think about what you take with you and what you tell other people about where you are going. This should include your homestay host.

  • Take your house key with you and keep in reserve sufficient money in cash to catch a taxi home (e.g. £20).
  • Make sure your mobile phone is charged and on so that you will hear it. Give the number to your homestay hosts.
  • Hosts should give you their telephone number and make sure you can contact them whilst you are out.
  • Give your hosts details of any friends you are going out with so they have someone else to contact if they cannot reach you.
  • Write down your homestay address and important telephone numbers. Keep this with you and don’t rely on an electronic record. Phone batteries go flat!
  • Tell your hosts your plans and listen to their advice. They understand the local area better than anyone else.

Looking After Yourself

Girls outGirls Out
We want you to be as safe as possible. This means taking responsibility for your own actions. Here are some things to think about.

  • Make sure you carry important contact numbers and your homestay address (see our box about preparation).
  • Tell people your plans in advance and keep in contact with your hosts whilst you are out if you plans change. Remember that other people will worry about you and it is polite to let them know you are ok.
  • Read our advice on drugs and alcohol. Above all, ensure that you can still function clearly and make sensible decisions. This can make a big difference to your safety.
  • Avoid confrontation and arguments.
  • If you are uncomfortable for any reason, tell someone in a position of authority such as a bar owner or police officer.
  • Read our advice about getting home safely.

Getting Home

Taxi signTaxi
Getting home safely may not be the most exciting aspect of going out, but it is the most important. Here are some of the things you should consider.

  • Plan ahead. Talk to your friends and work out in advance how you will get home.
  • Make sure you know how, where and when you can access public transport and make sure you keep enough money spare to get home.
  • Consider taking taxis all the way home. This is usually the safest option and often not very expensive especially if you share with friends.
  • Avoid walking home alone, especially in unfamiliar or quiet areas late at night. Avoid areas where there are no streetlights.

Drugs, Alcohol & the Law

These links provide information about alcohol, drugs, smoking and addiction support in the UK. The law may be different to your home country. Programme rules make also be different. Equally, even if you act within the law, act responsibly, respectfully and avoid putting yourself or others in harm’s way.

Alcohol Laws

Drugs & Penalties

Smoking

Addiction Advice

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