Student life is about your course but its also about the time of your life! This may involve more nights out or more dates or whatever really! This information is not here to frighten you, just to make you aware of a couple of things and start that brain ticking.

• Try to leave clubs/pubs and events with friends.
• If you leave with someone you have just met, introduce them to someone you know and tell them where you are going.
• If you are alone, stay alert, project confidence and be aware of potential dangerous places and situations.
• Trust your instincts. If in doubt, make your excuses and get out of the situation.
• If someone buys you a drink try to watch it from point of sale until you drink it, spiking of drinks is not unheard of.
• Attackers hope for a passive victim. Be prepared to shout!
• If trouble occurs, try to remain calm and defuse the situation.
• If you are attacked, only you can decide whether to fight back. You have every right to use reasonable force.
• Don't remain a victim! If you have been attacked, always report the incident as soon as possible. If you witness an attack, dial 999, try to scare off the attackers and stay with the victim until help arrives.

Safer Drug Taking

• No drugs, legal or illegal, are totally without side effects. Make sure you are aware of these before you take any drugs.
• Reduce risks by taking less.
• Never mix a drug with other drugs, including alcohol.
• Be aware that the colour, shape or size of a tablet says nothing about its real contents; its an experiment in the unknown.
• It is dangerous to top-up if it appears that a drug isn't working - it can take up to 1 hour or more to feel the effects.
• Avoid taking drugs by yourself. Having pals around can reduce the risk of having a bad time and it means that there is someone there who can help if something goes wrong.
• Remember not to drive after taking drugs.
  If you have any queries about drugs in any capacity then drop in to the Welfare Department to chat about these concerns. All discussions are confidential. For further advice you can also contact the Free National Drugs Helpline (24 hours) 0800 77 66 00 (advice, information and telephone counselling).

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