Content warning: The below content includes information on spiking and assault. If you would like to access support without reading this content, please visit: King's Counselling and Mental Health Support and KCLSU Wellbeing.
London is an exciting city with so much to offer and everyone should feel safe to enjoy it. If you're heading out, make sure you read these tips for looking after yourself and others.
Planning ahead and travel
Knowing your limits can make your night out more enjoyable and memorable, while also helping to keep you, and your friends, safe. Being in control means you’ll be more aware if something doesn’t feel right.
Drinkaware have some great tips on planning ahead and managing peer pressure around drinking at social events.
- Make sure you eat before you go out and try to drink water, or soft drinks, between alcoholic drinks.
- Stay together and make sure that everyone gets home safely.
- Let someone know what your plans are and when you expect to be back.
- Plan how you’ll get home – the Night Tube is an option on Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines but you might need to take a night bus, or arrange a licensed taxi.
- Did you know you can check live bus times on the TFL website? Apps like Citymapper can help you get around by giving tube status updates and the option to select ‘main roads’ when walking.
- Try to sit near others on public transport, avoiding empty carriages, or consider sitting on the lower deck of a bus.
While out and about
- Keep to busy, well-lit areas while out at night.
- If you feel vulnerable while you’re out, lots of venues use the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme. If you speak to staff and ask for Angela, they will discreetly provide assistance.
- Keep your drink with you and avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
- Only take what you need with you and keep your valuables secure, rather than in your back pockets or open bags.
- Don’t forget your phone charger or power bank.
Being aware of spiking
Spiking is giving someone a substance, such as drugs or alcohol, without their consent. Often, this substance is added to someone’s drink without their knowledge but in the past couple of years there have been reported cases of spiking by injection.
The responsibility for spiking lies with the perpetrator and it is a serious crime. King’s and KCLSU are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and safe environment for every member of our community, read more information about spiking from King’s and KCLSU.
What are the signs someone has been spiked?
It’s not always easy to tell if someone has been spiked but by being aware of the signs you can look out for each other on nights out. Spiking is often reported in clubs and bars but can also happen at parties and other events. Symptoms include:
- Feeling confused or disorientated
- Lowered inhibitions
- Loss of balance
- Distorted vision or hearing
- Nausea/vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Memory loss
Seek immediate help from someone you trust, such as a friend or venue staff. If you suspect someone’s been spiked, stay with them. Don’t let them go home alone or leave with someone you don’t know. On campus, you can contact Security by calling 0207 8482222 or using the Safe Zone app.
For more information, read our article Spiking: what do I need to know & what can I do?
Looking out for each other is part of being a community, we encourage everyone to read the King’s Community Charter to understand how we can all contribute to a thriving community.