Despite Nottingham’s title as the nation’s gun crime capital condemned by city officials as ‘fatally flawed’, it remains a hot spot for crime in the Midlands. Doing nothing precautionary and thinking that possible mishaps can only happen to someone else, makes you the perfect victim criminals are looking for. Keeping on top of studying is hard enough, without problems amplifying your struggle as a student – potential mishaps could severely hinder your studies and university experience. But fear not. Here at Her Campus, we have devised a definitive guide of some easy ways to stay healthy, safe, and happy in Nottingham over the winter.
Avoid lone walks home
November sees the sun set at an average of 4pm in Nottingham, which is often a time where students will be heading back to their residences from university campuses. This can often entail walking home in the dark alone, and, even at 5pm, this can be risky business. Many societies and extra-curricular activities can also extend to the late hours, leaving you at risk if you’re using public transport to head back. Always try to pair up with a friend or group of familiar people from similarly located residences to you. Of course, avoid shortcuts and walk on main roads whenever you can. Try not to put yourself in vulnerable positions after late nights on the town, such as lone taxi rides or grabbing lifts from random passers-by (yes, a friend has actually done this in the past!). Ensure you have a charged mobile and sufficient money in case you’re separated from your friends. Common sense is key!
Don’t be a glow!
It may seem like common sense, but the facial glare generated from your mobile phone whilst walking home at night can make you an easy, visible target to opportunists. Also, listening to music with your earphones can detach you from awareness of the world around you. Try not to cross roads or walk home down dark alleys without at least one ear unblocked.
Limit your alcohol consumption
You’ll be wanting to let your hair down as the ‘party season’ commences, inevitably causing alcohol related illnesses to escalate at this time of the year, so it’s important to know when to stop. Prevent yourself from getting into tricky social situations or developing health problems by taking precautions, for example, regular water breaks. Alcohol poisoning and dependency amongst students is not taken seriously enough. Know your limits.
Lock your doors and windows
As you’re beginning to trust your flatmates, it’s easy to forget that living in such close proximity to so many other people does have its disadvantages and dangers. Be sure to keep your windows locked at night and doors closed when you’re not around. Most gadget insurance doesn’t cover you if doors are wedged open at the time of the offence, so if you’re not entirely trusting of your flatmates (or their mates), keep it shut.
Sexual assault
Date rape cases are prominent in campuses. Without encouraging victim blaming, it’s important to be aware of certain tips to ensure your safety such as:
· Make sure you are completely comfortable with the person you are dating,
· Date in the daytime at a place where there are other students/people around.
· Be sure to arrange your own transport to/from the date.
· Look out for the classic signals such as blocked exits, demanding and abrupt tones and of course, monitor your drink.
Layer up
As the winter draws in and the long, cold nights seem to last an eternity, you may be more reluctant to venture out into the cold. It may sound daft and frankly silly, but as temperatures drop, you’re being exposed to low temperatures, putting your health and happiness at risk! Make sure you stock up on some winter jumpers, a decent scarf and a set of gloves.
Problem?
The University of Nottingham security service provides a 24-hour uniformed presence on all campuses. The Administration Office is located at the rear of the Hallward Library, with a main Control Room in the Trent Building on University Park. There is also an office in the Main Building at Sutton Bonington.
Call the University of Nottingham security service: 0115 95 13013
Off campus? Nottinghamshire crime stoppers: 0800 555111
Nightline: 0115 951 4985
Edited by Amelia Bauer
Sources:
http://www.crimepreventiontips.org/college-campus-safety
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5006852.stm
Image Sources:
http://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/290793/binge-drinking-students-are-happier-their-peers.jpg
http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/1/590x/woman-walking-alone-night-426705.jpg