Stay Safe During Freshers’ Week
We want everyone to have an amazing Freshers' Week. Our aim is for you to enjoy yourself, look after your friends and get home safely at the end of the night. If at any point you need help, please speak to one of our security team, bar staff, welfare ambassadors or event staff. We're here to help, without judgement.
Looking After Each Other
Freshers' Week is all about meeting new people and making memories. Looking after each other is everyone's responsibility.
- Stay with your friends where possible and make a plan for getting home before you arrive.
- Keep your phone charged if you can.
- Let someone know if you're heading off or leaving the event.
- If someone in your group goes missing or you're worried about them, tell a member of staff.
- Never feel embarrassed about asking for help. We'd always rather you speak to us early.
Below are some key details of how we ensure safety within SU venues during Freshers’ Week.
Welfare Support
Our events have a dedicated welfare provision throughout the evening.
You'll find:
- Trained Security Staff
- Event Management Team
- Welfare Ambassadors
- Qualified First Aiders
- CCTV monitoring throughout the venue
If you're feeling unwell, anxious, overwhelmed or simply need somewhere quiet, speak to the nearest member of staff and we'll take you to our welfare area where someone can support you.
Ask for Angela
If you're feeling unsafe, uncomfortable or need discreet assistance, you can Ask for Angela at any bar or speak to a member of our security or welfare team.
Our staff are trained to recognise the request and will help you safely and discreetly.
Whether you've become separated from friends, are receiving unwanted attention or simply don't feel comfortable, we're here to help.
Drink Spiking
We take drink spiking extremely seriously.
Free Drink Protection
Ask at any bar for free:
- Spikeys – anti-spiking bottle stoppers.
- StopTopps – protective drink covers suitable for bottles, cans and cups.
Our Prevention Measures
To help keep everyone safe we:
- Carry out security searches on entry.
- Monitor the venue using CCTV.
- Train all bar, security and welfare staff in drink spiking awareness.
- Provide a visible welfare team throughout the event.
If You Think You've Been Spiked
If you think you or someone else may have been spiked:
- Tell a trusted friend immediately.
- Inform the nearest member of staff.
- Stay with people you trust.
- If possible, keep hold of your drink as it may assist any investigation.
- Our welfare and first aid teams will look after you and arrange any medical assistance required.
Alcohol Safety
If you choose to drink:
- Eat before coming out.
- Pace yourself throughout the night.
- Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks.
- Never leave your drink unattended.
- Don't accept drinks from people you don't know or trust.
- Never share drinks or drink from unattended glasses or bottles.
Remember, there's absolutely no pressure to drink alcohol to enjoy Freshers' Week.
Respect Others
Everyone deserves to feel welcome and safe.
Please:
- Respect other people's boundaries.
- Always seek consent.
- Look out for fellow students.
- Report any behaviour that makes you or someone else feel unsafe.
If you see something that doesn't feel right, tell a member of staff. We'd always rather know than have someone struggle alone.
Getting Home Safely
Before leaving:
- Make sure everyone in your group knows how they're getting home.
- Stay with your friends where possible.
- If you're worried about getting home, speak to our welfare or security teams before leaving the venue.
Buses
For the latest U1 and local bus timetables, visit bathunibus.com.
Need Support After the Event?
If something happened during one of our events and you'd like to speak to someone afterwards, support is available.
You can:
- Report an incident through the University's Report and Support service (anonymously if you wish).
- Speak to Student Support & Safeguarding.
- Contact SU Advice.
- Contact University Security or the Police if appropriate