Every year, we try to make sure that you have a welcoming and memorable Freshers Festival. To make the most of it whilst staying safe, we’ve prepared some tips for you on how to have safe and successful Freshers' Festival!
Every year, we try to make sure you have a welcoming and memorable Freshers' Festival. You’ll be offered lots of new experiences and meet lots of new people - this is what Freshers' Festival is all about! To make the most of it whilst staying safe, we’ve prepared some tips for you on how to have safe and successful Freshers' Festival!
Drink Responsibly
By no means is Freshers' Festival all about drinking at alcohol-fuelled events but if you are planning to party the week away, make sure you look after yourself and drink responsibly. You can check out the Freshers' Week Survival Guide by Drink Aware.
Be Aware of Spiking
Spiking is when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person's drink or body without their knowledge and/or consent. It is a criminal offence. You can learn more about spiking and what we are doing about it from our Spiked? campaign page.
Spiked?
Charge Your Phone
It's imperative that you make sure your phone is fully charged and that you don’t use all of your battery on a night out. It’s easy to lose friends at crowded events and in a new place, so remember to prioritise your safety. You might need to call for help for yourself or a friend, so keep that charged up and use the power-saving mode.
Note Your Address
After a hectic day or night, you might not remember your new address and find yourself alone. Make sure you note your address, so you can ask for directions or get transport.
Protect Your Valuables
When going to an event, plan how you will carry your phone, cash, cards and ID. Just because you are surrounded by fellow students, don’t assume you’re safe from petty theft, and keep an eye on your valuables. Consider putting labels on your valuables in case you lose them, as students are great at handing in lost property. You can find our lost property at the Helpdesk, upstairs in the Students' Union building.
You may also want to consider getting contents insurance.
Learn About Student Contents Insurance
Further Support
While navigating Freshers' Festival, we want you to get support, or take a break if you need it, so that you remember Freshers' Festival for all the right reasons. There is confidential support available at the University if you're struggling. Our Advice Centre also offers lots of useful information on their website.
Our Advice Centre is a free, independent and confidential service for all students here at Royal Holloway. Our friendly, experienced and professional staff will provide a listening ear and offer general and specialist advice. We’re here to support you with a whole range of issues, big and small, and if we’re not the best people to help you with a particular issue, we’ll point you in the right direction.
Our advisors hold drop-ins on Zoom most Tuesday and Thursday during term time. You can find more information and joining information on our events calendar.
Alternatively, email us at advice@su.rhul.ac.uk with an outline of your situation and we’ll be in touch with some advice.