Feel unwell or think a friend has been spiked? Tell staff, the Good Night Out Crew or security now. You will be believed and supported.
Your Voice / Campaigns
Stamp
out
spiking
Your wellbeing is our number one priority and we're committed to ensuring you can enjoy a safe night out in our venues.
Spiking
is a crimeUp to 10 years in prison
Our Spiked campaign is here to raise awareness and inform you about how we're tackling the issue with a range of anti-spiking measures. It also acts as a warning to perpetrators: drink spiking carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence.
The Students' Union takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of spiking and will work closely with the University and Police to push for prosecution with the full force of the law at every available opportunity.
What's changed
October 2026
We've stepped up our measures across The Venue and The Packhorse.
01
Enhanced searches
On entry at The Venue. Queues may be longer, so arrive early.
02
Refresher training
For all venue managers, welfare team and supervisors, with all staff to follow.
03
Needle spiking guidance
Including what to do if you feel unwell after you get home.
04
Vape safety advice
Because spiking isn't only about drinks.
Think you've been spiked?
Tell someone as soon as you can. It's never your fault.
-
1
Tell someone
In our venues, tell bar staff, the Good Night Out Crew or security. They'll help you straight away.
-
2
Get somewhere safe
Away from large groups. Stay with your friend and keep talking to them.
-
3
Don't go home alone
Don't let them leave on their own or with someone you don't know.
-
4
Get medical help
Worried? Call 111. Call an ambulance if symptoms get worse. A first aider is always on site.
Report to the police online, on 101 or, in an emergency, call 999. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use the Police's textphone service 18000 or text 999 if you've pre-registered with the emergencySMS service. If you think there may have been a sexual assault, go to your nearest sexual assault referral centre (SARC) for specialist care and support.
Know the signs
Symptoms depend on what was used (including the dose), your size and weight, and how much alcohol you've already had. They could include:
- Lowered inhibitions
- Loss of balance
- Feeling sleepy
- Visual problems
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Unconsciousness
Needle spiking & delayed symptoms
Symptoms don't always start straight away. You might feel fine when you leave and only feel unwell later, even once you're home. Look out for:
- A sharp, pinching or scratching feeling during the night
- A pin-prick, bruise or sore spot on your skin afterwards
- Feeling suddenly drunk, dizzy, confused, sick or sleepy, out of proportion to what you've had
If you feel unwell after you get home: tell someone you trust and don't stay on your own. Call 111, or 999 if symptoms get worse. Get tested as soon as you can: most drugs leave the body within 12 to 72 hours. Testing kits are available from the Advice Centre.
About spiking
What is spiking?
When someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person's drink or body without their consent or knowledge. 'Needle spiking' is injecting someone with drugs without their consent.
It can happen to anyone, anywhere, and can be carried out by strangers or people you know. Spiking can be a number of criminal offences carrying up to ten years in prison, even when no other offence has happened.
What drugs are involved?
We often associate spiking with drugs like Rohypnol and GHB, but according to the NHS one of the most common forms is adding extra alcohol, such as turning a single into a double.
Recreational drugs are sometimes used too. Even if you've taken drugs or alcohol voluntarily, it's still spiking if you didn't consent to something extra being added.
Where does it happen?
Anywhere, but it's more likely in nightclubs, parties, pubs, restaurants and private homes. Police have pointed to a rise in spiking at house parties (such as pre-drinks) and festivals.
Free in our venues
Just ask at the bar. Full details of these products, along with testing kits, are available from the Advice Centre.
Spikeys
Free plastic stoppers that pop into the neck of your bottle. Staff are trained to offer them with every bottled drink.
StopTopps
Self-adhesive foil lids that fit any glass or cup up to 100mm wide. Available on request for all poured drinks.
UV-reactive covers
Drinks covers available in The Venue. Just ask at the bar.
Testing
Test strips on the night from our welfare team, plus testing kits from the Advice Centre the day after. Results are used in a non-prejudicial way.
First aid
A first aider or paramedic is always on site to offer medical assistance.
Trained staff
Management, welfare and supervisors complete refresher training, and all staff train every year.
NightCap scrunchies are also available to buy from the Union Shop. Read our tips on protecting your drink on a night out.
Vape safety
Spiking isn't only about drinks. Substances can also be added to vapes.
- Don't share your vape or take a hit from someone you don't know.
- Keep your vape on you and don't leave it unattended.
- If it tastes or smells different, or you feel unwell, stop using it and tell a member of staff.
We don't do this alone
- We work with Surrey Police and Campus Watch on prevention, intelligence and joint operations.
- We share CCTV and incident information with the University and Police, and support prosecutions.
- We refer students affected by a welfare or medical incident to the Advice Centre for follow-up support.
- We review every spiking report and student feedback each month.
Ideas on making nights out safer? Email venues@su.rhul.ac.uk.
It's never too late to report
Even the next day, once you've realised what happened. Every report helps us investigate, review CCTV and protect other students. We are on your side: we'll always operate on a basis of trust, and treat you with respect and empathy throughout.
The police will listen to you and take you seriously. They may ask for a blood or urine sample to test, so get tested as soon as possible: most drugs leave your body within 12 to 72 hours. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 now.
Download the toolkit
Use our artwork at your own events or across your social media channels to help spread the message.