Your Night Out Plan

A good night out starts before you leave

Women often have a little mental checklist they run before heading out, not because nights out are dangerous, but because a tiny bit of planning means you can relax and have fun. Think of it like packing a bag: two minutes of thought, a whole night of freedom.

Before: the plan

• Charge your phone and pop a small power bank in your bag.
• Know how you’re getting home before you go - last train time, rideshare budget, a friend driving, or a booked taxi. “We’ll figure it out” at 2am is where nights go wonky.
• Tell someone where you’re going and who with - your housemate, a friend, the group chat.
• Carry a bit of backup - a card and a little cash, in case your phone dies.
• Turn on location sharing with a trusted friend for the night if you like (Find My, Google Maps location sharing, Life360). Turn it off afterwards if you prefer.
• Eat something beforehand. Genuinely life-changing.

During: look after each other

• Arrive together, leave together, or at least agree that nobody leaves without telling the group.
• Check in with each other: “You good?” across the dance floor, a thumbs-up, a squeeze of the hand.
• Have a code. Many friend groups agree on a word or emoji that means “get me out of this conversation” or “I need to leave now”.
• Keep an eye on your friends’ drinks and your own. More on that below.
• It’s okay to leave early. You never owe a night more time than you want to give it.

Drinks safety (without the panic)

Drink spiking (someone adding alcohol or drugs to a drink without the person knowing) is a crime, and it is never the fault of the person it happens to. You can’t prevent everything, but a few easy habits make it much less likely:

• Watch your drink being poured and keep it with you. If you leave it unattended, get a fresh one.
• Accept drinks only from the bar staff or from friends you trust.
• Use a lid or cover if the venue offers them, or hold your drink with your hand over the top on a crowded dance floor.
• Pace yourself. Alternate with water. Nobody’s counting.
• Non-alcoholic drinks are totally normal - mocktails, soda and lime, alcohol-free beer. You never have to explain.

If you or a friend suddenly feels wrong

Signs can include feeling much drunker than you should, dizziness, confusion, nausea, or sudden sleepiness.

1. Tell a trusted friend or venue staff immediately. Don’t leave with someone you don’t know.
2. Stay together. Never let a friend who feels off go home alone or “sleep it off” by herself.
3. If symptoms are severe (or someone is unconscious, vomiting while drowsy, or struggling to breathe) call emergency services: 000 in Australia, 999 in the UK, 911 in the US. If they’re breathing but unresponsive, put them in the recovery position.
4. Report it to venue staff and police if you can. Testing is most useful soon after, so mention it at hospital.

After: getting home

• Rideshare check: match the number plate, car and driver photo before you get in. Ask “Who are you here to pick up?” rather than offering your name. Sit in the back. Share your trip with a friend.
• Walking: stick to busier, well-lit routes. Keep one earbud out. Phone in hand is fine - on a call to a friend is even better.
• Public transport: sit near the driver or in a busy carriage.
• Text when home. “Home safe! 💕”, and check that everyone else is too.

The point of all this

Planning isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s what lets you dance, laugh and stay out late with nothing nagging at the back of your mind. You’ll get to practise these choices in the next story. ✨