With the winter exam period now over, some of you may be excited to let your hair down and enjoy Plymouth’s buzzing nightlife! Whilst we want everyone to have a great time, we also want everyone to take care of themselves and their belongings. Here is a friendly reminder by UPSU Advice of five things you should take care of during nights out...

1. Take care of your belongings

There will be people, not necessarily students, with an eye on your phone, laptop, wallet, handbag, etc, just waiting for you to be distracted. Keep an eye on your belongings and make sure you always know where they are. If you are out in public, don't leave them unattended.

2. Take care of your ID

Do not disclose too much information about yourself to people you have just met, no matter how friendly and trustworthy they appear to be. Do not disclose any personal information online unless they are a trusted source. Scammers know when Student Finance England make their payments and will be targeting students at this time of year.

3. Take care of your safety

You are probably new to Plymouth and do not fully know your way around yet. Stick to well-lit routes if you are walking home late at night, and always walk with a friend if possible. Make sure you have a local taxicab phone number saved on your phone, we recommend Need A Cab. Make sure you know about UPSU’s Safe Taxi scheme too.

Take some time to read through the latest Student Safety Guide 2022-2023 by Devon and Cornwall Police to find some helpful information about how to make sure you enjoy your time studying here safely. If you ever need to speak to Devon and Cornwall police, you can contact them online at www.dc.police.uk/contact or by calling 101. You can also find details of your nearest police enquiry office by visiting www.dc.police.uk/police-enquiry-office. In an emergency, always call 999.

4. Take care of your sanity

Plymouth night life is fun and exciting, noisy and vibrant; there is a lot to do and lots of new people to meet and get to know! But, do make sure you get enough sleep, eat sensibly and keep things in perspective. Do not compromise your mental wellbeing by thinking you have to attend every night out your house mates go to. If you feel like you are being peer pressured and need advice, please speak to someone at the UPSU Advice centre.

5. Take care of your student status

1. The University of Plymouth has a reputation to protect and will not tolerate inappropriate and illegal behaviour by its students. Make sure you understand the University of Plymouth's Code of Conduct.

2. What you may think is a private converation on social media is only private until it is shared.

3. Drugs in halls and private student accommodation are a no-no and the university will not turn a blind eye to anyone contravening the law.

4. Keep in mind that if you get caught up in something inappropriate or illegal you are likely to face disciplinary proceedings and potentially be asked to withdraw from your course.

The SU has a number of safety measures, schemes and services which are in place to help keep you safe on nights out at the SU. Please familiarise yourself with our important policies and safety services here: you never know when you or a friend may be in need of our help. ?