Daily Life

Nights Out and Socialising at College

What to do if you feel pressured to socialise on a night out? 

When you go to college, you may feel some pressure to go out all the time. However, there are plenty of ways to make friends at college without the pressure of going out or drinking, if you don’t want to. 

• Go to a quite bar, where people won’t be staying out late, and you can stick to your routine and not be out until 4am. 

• Night in with friends. Host a night in. Get together in a friend’s house or in student accommodation. Invite one or two people you may not know that well. Order a pizza or make some food, do something fun that will help you to bond more with the others. 

• By not going out, you are saving money, and could use it where you want to. Not going out does not mean you are not having fun. It means you are doing what you are comfortable doing, and you are saving money, that you can spend doing other activities with friends. 

• It is up to you how you want to spend your free time. Don’t be afraid to try something new, but also don’t be afraid to spend your time doing quieter activities. If you don’t like going out, don’t worry, you will find plenty of people who feel the same way as you. 

How to stay safe on a night out

If you feel do comfortable going on nights out at college, there are a few things to remember to make sure your night stays safe for everyone. Make the most if your college experience by taking a few simple steps to keep everyone safe when you are out at night. 

• Be careful at ATM machines. While it is best to know what money you have before you go on a night out, so that you don’t overspend. If you have to get money out from an ATM, try to be with a friend, be careful of anyone hanging around the ATM and make sure no one can see you entering your pin. 

• It is important to always stay in your group of friends. If you are going out in town, try to meet up with your friends beforehand. Even if you are going to a house party, it is best to go in a pair or a group you already know, so you don’t go alone. 

• If you are drinking, don’t drink too much. Never leave your drink unattended, you do not know if someone will put something in your drink when you are not looking. Also never accept a drink from a stranger, for the same reason. 

• Be organised. Whether you are taking a big bag or if you keep items in your pocket, make you know where your essential items are, and can reach them in an emergency. Standing outside your house trying to open the door late at night searching for your keys can leave you in a vulnerable position. Once you are inside, lock the door behind you. 

• Look after your phone. Keep your mobile with you. You may need it to call your friends if you can’t find them. Also, make sure you know your way home and you are not relying on your phone to tell you the way to go in case your battery goes. 

• When you are going home, try to always leave with friends and get public transport. Stick to well-lit and busy streets. If you do need to get a taxi, make sure that it is a licensed taxi you are using.