Your Night Safety and Transport Guide
Throughout Welcome Week, there are many fantastic events that are organised by Bristol SU, and these include club nights. Bristol is a vibrant city, with a thriving nightlife! But, it is crucial to learn how to get to and from different events safely, and who to reach out to for support, should you need it.
At Bristol SU, safety is at the forefront of all our events, which is what sets us apart from other club nights organised by external companies. This article explains everything you need to know about staying safe and getting around Bristol, whilst still having a fantastic evening!
Bristol Rules đ
Local organisation, Bristol Nights, has compiled a list of rules which we encourage our students to follow. These ensure students look out for one another on a night out and feel safe:
- Out together, home together. Keep an eye on your friends throughout the night and ensure you all return home safely. Sharing your location is a good idea. You can use apps such as Life360 or Whatsapp to do this; if you are using transport such as Uber or Bolt you can also share your journey with others.
- Call it out. Inappropriate behaviour, especially when it comes from your mates, needs to be called out. Be an active bystander; make sure your friends know what theyâre doing isnât OK. Bristol Womenâs Voice offer great advice about how to intervene and support victims of harassment.
- Donât be a creep. If someone tells you they are not interested, theyâre not. People are allowed to change their minds and no one wants unwanted advances. Everyone should know that touching, grabbing or groping someone without their consent is not okay, it's a criminal offence. There is specialist and trusted help in Bristol if you have experienced sexual harassment or sexual violence.
- Respect differences. Bristol is a diverse city, filled with individuals from a range of backgrounds. Our differences are what make the community; no matter how someone speaks or dresses, just leave them to it.
- Keep away from the edge. Don't be tempted to sit by the harbourside at night. Keep away from the edge and be extra careful near the water. Cold water shock makes getting out of the harbour even harder when you are intoxicated.
- Take it easy. It is important you understand the effects and risks of alcohol and other drugs; it is okay to say no. The best nights are the ones you can remember.
Getting to and from Clubnights đ„
The Stoke Bishop Transport Hub
If you live in the Stoke Bishop Halls, you will use the tranpsort hub to get to and from clubnights. At the Stoke Bishop Transport Hub, please keep the noise down and respect the staff and security teams there. The Transport Hub is an Alcohol-Free Zone, and you are not allowed to bring alcohol on-board any public transport or taxis.
We understand some of you might want to have an alcoholic drink before you leave your halls for the evening, but please drink responsibly. For welfare and operational reasons, Security Services and the Bus Operators will not permit people to board the vehicles if they think they are too intoxicated.
At our club nights, your safety is our priority. We only work with venues across the city that have reached safety and student wellbeing standards.
U1
The U1 bus is available to University of Bristol students, staff members and the general public. It links the Stoke Bishop residences to campus and the city centre. All first-year students in University allocated accommodation (except PGs in PG-only residences) are entitled to a free bus pass and can use the service which runs until 04.00 Monday-Saturday, and 21.30 Sunday. This is a great option if you need to get home after a night out.
You can see the U1 route, plus additional bus services and upgrades.
Taxis
Uber and Bolt are also great options should you need to get home. For safety you can share your journey with others and can also split the fair. These are often readily available throughout the city.
Dott E-scooters and Bikes
Dott (e-scooters and e-bikes) are a great choice when exploring Bristol, but they should not be used when drunk or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They are also unavailable after midnight so they arenât the one for when you are heading home after a night out. Youâll need to download their app to use them, and you can find out more in the University's transport info about e-scooters.
Walking
Finally, walking is an option if you live near the venue. Most streets are well-lit and well-signposted. We would advise you to only walk if it is safe to do so, and to not walk alone. If youâre near water remember to stay away from the edge and share your location with others too. You might need to use a map to avoid getting lost in your first few weeks; perhaps try the route a few times in daylight first.
For more information on your travel options, please visit the Transport Plan website.
Some final top tips â
Know your limits
If you choose to drink alcohol or take any drugs, know your limits. Start with a small amount to begin with and keep yourself hydrated. If you feel unwell at any point, reach out to staff at your event.
For more information on our approach to Drugs and Alcohol including Harm Reduction, vist our support centre.
Donât end up alone
Stick with your friends and look out for one another. Sharing your location is a good way to keep an eye on one another should you get separated. Ensure you all head home together.
Plan in advance
Before you go out for the night, decide how you are going to get home. Make use of the U1 bus or other transport options available in Bristol. It is a good idea to also read the âImportant information ahead of your eventâ emails in advance to help with your planning.
Respect our neighbours
It is not just students who live in the city! As you head home, please respect your neighbours by keeping noise levels down and making use of bins instead of littering on the street.
Get around Bristol with confidence, see our night-time events line-up.
