Night Safety in York

A brief guide by YUSU's Community & Wellbeing Officer and Activities Officer 2022/23

Night Safety in York

As a new academic year begins, we are aware that a lot of students (both new and returning) would like to know how they can stay safe on nights out. We wanted to compile all of the information into one guide that covers on-site safety measures, reporting incidents, spiking, and more. If you have any questions or if there is anything you are still unsure of, you can contact us at h.nimmo@yusu.org or r.ashar@yusu.org!

What measures are there to keep me safe?

Nightsafe

Our team of fully-trained student volunteers who can be found in orange high-vis jackets on our YUSU club nights. They will help you with immediate signposting and support, including first aid. They can also escalate incident reports.

York Parties

  • You can message York Parties via their WhatsApp service. They can answer any questions you may have during a night out.
  • They also put up posters containing wellbeing information in the venues on YUSU club nights to help students.

SafeZone

The SafeZone app can be used 24/7 both on and off-campus. Its features include:

  • Emergency calls to selected contacts from your phone
  • A torch
  • First aid assistance
  • Access to the University's Campus Security team, who are able to track your live location if you wish.

You can also contact Campus Security via phone - 01904 323333.

How to report something on a night out

  • Door Staff: We know that historically there have been issues with door staff, but if you are comfortable in doing so you can report incidents to them in the first instance.
  • Venue Staff: Issues about specific venues can be raised with their own staff, so please speak to them if necessary.
  • YUSU staff are also at the venues on YUSU club nights. They can usually be found with the door staff.

How to report something after a night out

YUSU Reporting Form

YUSU and York Parties have a joint reporting form for any problems or incidents that occur on a YUSU club night, and for you to submit general feedback about the events. This information goes straight to YUSU and is shared with York Parties if you grant permission.

You can also reach out to other YUSU and University support for more specific issues, reporting and information. Please find the details via the YUSU Signposting Guide.

Night Travel

We know that many students at York (especially those living off-campus) walk home from nights out, but this isn't the safest or most comfortable option (particularly if you're alone), so here are some alternatives:

  • Buses: You can get the night bus, the CB1, on a night out in York from outside Salvos/Flares and Kuda. Information on timetables and stops is on the First Bus app.
  • Taxis: You can access Streamline taxis via their app or via phone - 01904 656565.

Information on Spiking

YUSU has posters with information on spiking in all of our on-campus venues and in the off-campus venues that we use.

Spiking can be reported...

  • To YUSU via the reporting form.
  • To the University using the Report and Support tool.
  • To North Yorkshire Police via their website.

Anti-spiking devices, such as Spikey Bottle Stoppers and cup covers, can be found in our on-campus venues and YUSU club night venues to use if you wish.