Easy tips to have a responsible night out

(And hopefully avoid the hangover!)

There's nothing wrong with having a good time on a night out and enjoying a few drinks, but knowing your limits and respecting them can make the difference between a great night and one you'd rather forget.

Whether it's hitting the pub, going to a club, or heading to a house party, it's important to look after yourself. Here are some easy tips to keep the good vibes up without the next-day regrets. 

Pace yourself, it's not a race

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a night out, but pacing yourself is key to enjoying the whole night without things getting too messy, too quickly. 

An easy way to do this is to alternate between alcoholic drinks and water, or soft drinks. It'll help you stay in control and keep you hydrated – it's a win, win. 

Don't drink on an empty stomach

Always make sure to eat a decent meal before you drink. It slows down the absorption of alcohol and keeps you feeling more balanced throughout the night. Lots of pubs sell packets of crisps and nuts that can help between pints. 

An easy way to fit in a proper meal is to eat with the group you're heading out with, cook together, head to a local restaurant or order a cheeky takeaway.

Listen to your body

Everyone has different limits, and that's OK! There's absolutely no shame in knowing when to stop drinking. Just because your mate can knock back shots all night doesn't mean you have to do the same. 

Set your limit before you head out, whether it's sticking to a certain number of drinks or  switching to water at a certain time. You'll thank yourself the next morning! 

Keep an eye on your drink

Drink spiking can happen, so it's definitely something to be mindful of on a night out. Always watch your drink and never leave it unattended. Likewise, don't accept drinks from strangers unless you've seen the bartender make it. 

If you've put a drink down and aren't sure it's safe, don't risk it and get a new one. 

Look out for each other

The best nights are the ones where everyone gets home safely. If you notice your friend isn't feeling great or has had too much to drink, help them out. Grab them some water, help them find a taxi, or just let them know you're there if they need it. 

Plan your journey home

Don't wait until the end of the night to figure out how you're getting home. Plan in advance to make sure you have a safe and reliable way to get back. If you're getting public transport, check the last bus or train times before you head out. If you're getting a taxi, it's always best to share with friends. 

Just make sure to never leave anyone behind and have enough charge on your phone if you need to contact anyone. 

Rehydrate before bed

One of the simplest ways to avoid waking up feeling rough is to drink enough water throughout the night. At the very least, have a pint of water before bed. It can really make a big difference in how you feel the next day. 

University life is about making memories, not just nursing hangovers. Look after yourself, look after your mates, and you'll get the best of both worlds – good nights out and good mornings after. 

If you do need some extra support, don't hesitate to contact any of our support services.