When you go to university for the first time, there’ll be loads of opportunities for you to meet new people, visit new places, and try new things.
Here at Orlando Village, we provide some of the best student accommodation Bolton has to offer, and are the only accommodation provider to be approved and recommended by the University of Bolton.
Our halls are situated in a great location – just a short walk from the main campus and the town centre, where you’ll find plenty of bars, clubs, and pubs. Perfect if you fancy a quick pint after a busy day of lectures, a G&T in a sophisticated bar, or a night out at one of Bolton’s lively nightclubs!
While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement – eager to impress your newfound friends – it’s vital that you stay safe, especially when you’re not familiar with your surroundings and on your own at night.
Here we offer five top tips to ensure you make the most of your university experience and keep yourself safe at the same time.
Staying safe on a night out
1. Safety in numbers
Whether you’re going for cocktails and a catch-up with the girls on your course or a pub crawl with the lads, you should always go out in a group of no less than three – and stick together.
Look out for each other and make sure that nobody leaves the venue alone.
2. Never leave your drink
You’ve probably heard all kinds of horror stories of people getting their drinks spiked whilst their back was momentarily turned at the bar – from having items stolen to being sexually assaulted or abused.
For these reasons, never accept a drink from a stranger, even if you are thirsty and have spent most of your money. And make sure that you always watch your drink. If you have to leave it, ask one of your friends to keep an eye on it until you get back.
3. Have a route home planned
Though it’s likely to be the last thing on your mind, always plan how you are going to get back to your student accommodation in Bolton at the end of the night.
Depending on the time, you might ask someone you trust to give you a lift or hop on the bus. If travelling by bus, it’s best if you sit on the lower deck – near the door and within sight of the driver, should there be any issues. Alternatively, you could pre-book a taxi or Uber to transport you and your mates back to your digs safely.
4. Save local taxi numbers
After being stood on your feet all night – queueing to get into venues and dancing – there is nothing more frustrating than trying to hail a cab on the street when you haven’t pre-booked a taxi.
Never jump in an unlicensed taxi. Instead, before you go on a night out, make sure you have the number of a local taxi firm saved in your phone. This way, when you’re ready to head home, you can call for a cab without having to flag one down. Just make sure you have enough battery on your phone.
5. Save the out of hours number for Orlando Village
When you’re out in town (or anywhere else), you need to keep a close eye on your belongings – be it your bag, keys, phone, wallet, etc. After all, the last thing you want to happen is to arrive back at your student accommodation only to discover you’ve lost your keys.
If you’ve got a bag, keep it in front of you at all times. Never leave your phone or money in the back pocket of your trousers, and if you’ve got zips, make sure you use them. If you’re staying at our student accommodation in Bolton, it’s worth saving our out of hours number – 07919 573 529 – in case you lose your keys on a night out, too. This way, you needn’t worry about disturbing other tenants.
For more tips on how to stay safe whilst at university, get in touch with the Orlando Village team. We‘re always on hand to help and would love to hear from you.
Alternatively, if you’re yet to secure affordable student accommodation in Bolton for 2021/22, it’s not too late. Either give us a call on 01204 903 488 or email info@orlandovillage.co.uk to book a viewing.
