TW: topics of alcohol, clubbing, spiking and prevention of sexual assault discussed.
Before starting University I had never experienced clubbing so my only ideas of what it would be like came from hearing from those who had been or seeing things on social media. Because of this, like many, I was nervous when entering freshers week where I quickly noticed, as anticipated, a clubbing and party culture.
Fortunately, I have actually enjoyed clubbing so far and am lucky to have a group of friends that all look out for me and each other on nights out. However, like most women, I am still challenged with worries before I go out with recent issues of injection spiking heightening this further. Issues like this understandably create anxiety around going out and I would like to share some things that have helped me overcome the worries associated with clubbing culture.
1. Safety in numbers
As obvious as it sounds, try and stick with your group when you’re out. I found that during freshers week the thing that left me the most worried was losing people I went out with. I feel like this is quite a normal thing as it is easy to lose people in your group in clubs when they become more crowded. However, since establishing friendships beyond freshers I have felt much more comfortable going out knowing that I won’t be on my own at any point. Doing things like arranging a place to go if someone gets lost or regularly checking in on group chats has been helpful when going out in a bigger group where it is easier to end up separated. Even small things like going to the bathroom together to make sure no one gets lost can give yourself and your friends that extra comfort needed to reduce anxiety when your actually in the club.
2. Don’t feel pressure to do things you don’t want to
It is natural to see other people at uni drink varying amounts of alcohol and be able to handle it differently. Don’t ever feel pressure to drink more than you want to. I found knowing where my limit was had made me a lot less nervous as I am able to look after myself and my friends. So of course have fun and do what makes you comfortable but don’t feel like you need to do things that you wouldn’t usually do or don’t want to try just because other people are. Remember if you are drinking to watch your drink and if you think someone has touched or spiked it throw it away and get a new one. Also, some clubs now give out anti spiking cup covers so check if this is the case and if you want a longer term solution you can purchase things like hair scrunchies with cup covers built in them to take out with you.
3. Put your mind at ease before you go out
Although women should not have to think of safety precautions every time they step out the door it has become common nature to. I found that doing simple things like sharing my location with friends and family, carrying a personal safety alarm, and enabling tracking on Ubers really helped with worry that I had about getting lost on my own. Doing these things may give you that extra reassurance of knowing you should be able to find your way back to your group if you do get separated and help if you were to be put in a dangerous situation.
4. You don’t NEED to go clubbing!
Although you will see lots of people go out clubbing, don’t assume it’s the only way to have fun. There are so many other things you can do if clubbing isn’t your thing and it’s important to recognise that its perfectly normal to not enjoy going out in this setting. Everyone enjoys different methods of socialising so if it’s not for you, don’t force yourself into it and try something else: whether that be a night in with your friends and flatmates or a society event on campus, there is plenty of ways to keep making new friends without having to go to a club.
Most importantly, whatever you decide to do to socialise, remember to stay safe and look after your friends and yourself. If you feel like something isn’t right always get help it’s better to be sure. Hopefully, you will have a great second term at Warwick whilst staying safe in the process!
---- Grace Cann, Guest Blogger
