So, now freshers is over, nights out seem to have settled down, maybe even become more spontaneous than before (we all know those spontaneous nights out are the best!) But it is also coming up to winter and the clocks are changing, which means its darker and surprisingly even colder than "summer" was. 

This means that everybody needs to start thinking about safety and health more, especially on those nights out! Yes - Even you.

So here are some little top tips about getting home safely on these Swansea winter nights. 

• Try and plan your route home BEFORE you go out! Organize with friends where you will meet, who is going home with who etc. This will make it a lot less stressful at the end of the night;
   
• Make sure your phone is fully charged before you go out - we all know how dramatic everything gets when your phone battery died on a night out;
   
• Make sure you keep some cash set aside for a taxi home. It may cost extra than walking home, but think of it this way. If you spend around £10-£30 (maybe more) on drinks, by not getting those last 2/3 drinks you can get a taxi home, which means.... It is quicker, so much warmer, you can eat your cheesy chips sitting down or even better at home and you can get into bed that much sooner than if you walked. Plus your hangover-self will love you so much more for not having those last two drinks.
   
• Use the Buddy System - Have a designated friend you will text when you are leaving to go home, and that you will text when you are home (preferably one that won't get annoyed when you may wake them at 3am) Just so someone knows where you are.
   

Taxi Safety
 

So we just established why it is better to get a taxi home instead of walking, but here are some top tips on making sure you are safe in your taxi. 
 

• Make sure you get a licensed taxi, whether you call in advance or check the side of the car for the licensed stickers - You can always book a taxi so you aren't waiting ages. If you book one 20 minutes before you leave the club it should help to avoid the mass queues;
   
• Licenced taxis always have one of the above logos on their car. Also, here is a list of the licensed taxi companies in Swansea: http://visitswanseabay.com/index.cfm?articleid=45379
   
• Establish an approximate cost of the journey before you get into the taxi so there are no nasty surprises at the end - NEVER give the money first;
   
• Try and share a taxi with friends and always sit in the backseat behind the driver, or behind the glass window;
   
• If you are alone, or the last one getting out of the taxi, the drivers will normally oblige if you asked them to wait until you get into your house safely;
   
• For more taxi tips go to: http://www.swansea-union.co.uk/advice/safety/gethome/
   

So... if you 100% have no other option than to walk it home, here are some tips
 

Walking
 

• Again check someone is expecting you at home and let them know that you are walking;
   
• Choose the most public and well lit route;
   
• Walk on the side-walk facing traffic;
   
• If you feel like you are being followed, cross over the street, if they follow head to the most well lit public place you can, and where necessary contact the police: 01792-456-999;
   
• Walk in groups, even if you have to wait that extra 5 minutes for your friends;
   
• Do not text or call all the way home, you will be less aware and your phone will cause attention - This means don't listen to your iPod as well, sorry guys;
   
•  Look confident and stay alert, don't walk with your hands in your pockets;
   
• Avoid using cash points at night if you are alone. 

Women Walking Alone
 

• Carry your bag close to your body - have your keys in your hand and your phone in your pocket. Keep items separately. - If someone tried to grab it, let it go - You are more valuable than your bag
   
• Buy a pair of rollashoes - they are much more comfortable and safer to walk home in than high heels;
   
• Don't forget your personal alarm from SUSU 
   

Finally, if you would like that extra bit of confidence on a night out, or just want to learn how to better protect yourself, you can always attend SUSU's Women's Only Self Defense Classes held on Fridays 14:00 - 15:30 in the Pavilion gym £2 per class - E-mail: womensofficer@swansea-union.co.uk for more details.

Stay safe this winter!