Going out at night with your friends should be fun! It’s important to prepare yourself for unpredictable situations that could happen when you’re going out on the town. Use these tips to maximize safety and maximize a fabulous night out!
1.) Stick to the group.
Going out in college is always fun and exciting! The scary truth of the matter is that the unknown is all around us. The best way to avoid getting into a scary situation while being out and consuming alcohol is to stick with your friends and make sure no one is left behind.
2.) Know your limits.
We’ve all had nights where we get carried away at the bar. It’s important to know your limits when you’re out in Richmond, and especially in a city you’re not familiar with. Alcohol impairs your judgement and consuming too much while out in the city makes us vulnerable to more threats and unwanted confrontations.
3.) Uber.
Uber is your friend. Many cab driver’s have switched over to Uber because of the impression they’ve made on the taxi industry. Uber provides background checks and is much safer than taxi cabs. If you have the option, always opt for an Uber instead of a taxi.
4.) Group messaging.
While you’re out, change is constant. Make sure if you decide to relocate or go home without the rest of your squad, that you communicate this information. If you take a cab home, you can even take a picture of the license plate before entering and send it to your group to ensure added safety.
5.) Charge your phone. Use this hack!
Always make sure your phone is charged before you leave the house. This is vital in times of separation from your group. If your phone is dead people cannot get in touch with you and you cannot get in touch with them. It’ll be worth the extra half hour at home charging your phone before a night out in the long run.
6.) Don’t accept drinks from strangers and don’t leave your drink unattended.
This is a given. People accept drinks and leave their drinks all of the time and end up ingesting something unwanted. This is dangerous and can ruin your night and nights in your future. Avoid this by not accepting drinks from people you don’t know and keeping an eye on the drinks you’ve purchased.
7.) Invest in some mace.
For young women especially, investing in mace is a good idea. You can easily put in on your key ring and have it with you at all time. If an event occurs where you need to safely get out of a scary situation involving someone else, it can be accessed quickly and give you time to call the police and plan your next move. The added knowledge that you have it with you can provide a security blanket and make you feel more comfortable.
