Getting Home Safely After a Freshers’ Night Out

September 11, 2025

Emma Brown, Union President

Freshers’ Week is all about meeting people, trying new things, and, let’s be honest, a fair bit of late-night dancing. But no matter how good the night is, nothing kills the vibe like worrying about how you’re getting home. Luckily, SUSU have put together great options to get back to halls or your house safely, without breaking the bank or relying on a dodgy 2 am walk.

In this blog you will find information about the following. Skip to the sections you want to read by clicking below:

SUSU Safety Bus

Unilink Buses

Miracle Street Bus

VOI E-Scooters & Bikes

Look Out for Your Mate

Personal Safety

SUSU Safe & Campus Security

Safety Checklist

SUSU Safety Bus: Your Free Ride Home

Think of the SUSU Safety Bus as your friendly designated driver, it runs every evening in term-time and drops you right outside your door.

The bus leaves from outside Building 42 (Redbrick area) and runs on the hour every hour from 8pm until an hour after the last SUSU venue closes.

It even does a special 9pm run to Winchester.

The best bit? The SUSU Safety Bus is free to use for all students. Just hop on, tell the driver where you live, and relax. No stressing about Ubers or walking home in the dark, it’s the safest way back after Karaoke, Quiz night, or any late-night campus fun.

Also, as part of SUSU’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, we’ve invested in a smart electric minibus. With zero exhaust emissions, you can know your journey home is helping the planet, is cleaner and much more comfortable!

Unilink: The Blue Buses

If you need an even more regular route home, Unilink is your best friend. Routes connect campus, halls, the city centre, the airport, and even the hospital.

Most halls get a free annual bus pass (if you’re in uni accommodation, check your welcome pack). If you don’t qualify for a free bus pass with Contactless, app tickets, and smartcard options, it means you don’t need to fumble for coins.

If you’re living further out, Bluestar connects Southampton with Winchester, Eastleigh, Totton, Romsey, Hedge End, and the New Forest.

Buses come with Wi-Fi and USB charging, perfect for checking your group chat or ordering food before you get home.

Mobile App

Get the Unilink bus app to buy tickets, check departure times and travel updates. Familiarise yourself with the routes early on, to save yourself the confusion when it’s most important!

Unilink U1N (night bus)

Just a reminder that the night bus is not covered by your bus pass and a single journey will cost £3 (still cheaper than a taxi or Uber if you’re travelling in small groups!)

Returning students familiar with the U1N:

The U1N is updating! The route has been extended at both ends to serve Ocean Village (Lucia Foster Welch halls), and extended beyond Wessex Lane halls to the Swaythling Roundabout.

The U1N now offers some routes in the opposite direction for those travelling back to the city centre.

This route will now run every night between Tuesday and Saturday! (University term time only.)

Miracle Street Bus

The council will have a stationary bus located in town, offering a safe and supportive space for anyone who might need assistance after a night out. Whether you’re looking for a place to sober up, need help getting home, or simply feel unsafe, the bus provides a welcoming environment where you can wait until you’re ready to head home. This initiative aims to ensure everyone has access to a safe option, helping to make your journey home as smooth and secure as possible.

VOI E-Scooters & Bikes

VOI electric scooters and bikes are a popular way to travel around Southampton, but it’s really important to put safety first if you’re thinking about using them after a night out.

Never ride if you’ve been drinking: just like driving, riding under the influence is illegal and dangerous. Please don’t risk your safety for convenience.
Wear a helmet: accidents can happen, and a helmet is the best protection against serious injury.
Stay alert and considerate: keep an eye out for cars, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians, and always follow the Highway Code.
Only park in VOI-designated zones: this keeps pavements clear and ensures scooters are ready for the next user.

VOI can be a convenient and sustainable option when used responsibly, but it’s not the right choice if you’ve been drinking. In those situations, buses, taxis, or the SUSU Safety Bus are the safest ways to get home.

Look Out for Your Mate

Nights out are way more fun when everyone gets home safe. Keep an eye on your friends, especially if they’re new to Southampton and don’t know the area yet.

Wait with them for the Safety Bus or walk them to the Unilink stop.
If someone’s had a bit too much, make sure they’re not left on their own.
Swap contact details early in the night so you can check in on each other.

Even a quick “text me when you’re back” goes a long way, it’s about making sure the whole group ends the night safe and sound.

Personal Safety: What You Can and Can’t Carry

It’s natural to want to feel prepared when heading out, but in the UK some “self-defence” items that are legal elsewhere aren’t allowed here. Carrying items like pepper spray, CS gas, knives, or any kind of weapon is illegal.

What you can carry to help you stay safe:

A personal safety alarm

Small, legal, and effective at drawing attention if you feel unsafe. You can get these from the SUSU Advice Centre.

Your phone (fully charged!)

Essential for maps, staying in touch, or booking transport.

A portable power bank

So your phone doesn’t die just when you need it most. Your friends may also benefit from you having this!

Contactless card/emergency cash

Useful for taxis, buses, or emergencies.

Location sharing

Not something you carry, but setting it up adds another layer of safety. You can:
• Use WhatsApp live location to share where you are in real time.
• Switch on Find My Friends (iPhone) or Google Maps location sharing (Android/iOS) with trusted contacts.
• Life360 app: a free family/friends safety app designed for group location sharing.
• Snapchat “Share My Location”: lets close friends see where you are on Snap Map (you control who sees it).
• “Check in” calls or texts: if you don’t want to use apps, just agree times to text/call a friend when you leave a venue and when you get home.

Torch/mini keyring torch

Handy in darker areas and can make you more visible.

High-visibility keychain or clip-on light

Increases visibility when walking or cycling at night.

The best protection is usually prevention: travel in groups, plan your route home, use trusted transport, and check in with friends along the way.

SUSU Safe & Campus Security

If buses aren’t an option, there are still ways to feel secure:

Campus security are around 24/7, keeping an eye on things.
“Ask for Angela” is available in SUSU bars, if you’re in an uncomfortable situation, just ask staff for Angela and they’ll help you out discreetly.
The SUSU Advice Centre (open 9am-5pm on weekdays) gives out free Stop Topps (for your drinks) and personal alarms. Find them at the top of the staircase above the Stag’s.
Keep your phone charged. Did you know that SUSU venues can lend you a power bank to charge your phone? Ask at the bar for details.

Quick Safety Checklist for Nights Out

Buddy up – head home with friends when you can.
Know your options – SUSU Safety Bus, Unilink, taxi if all else fails.
Keep your phone charged.
Trust your gut, if something feels off, ask for help.

Freshers is about having fun and making memories, not stressing about getting home. Between the Safety Bus, Unilink, and campus safety schemes, you’ve got loads of options to end the night smoothly and safely.

So dance, laugh, and make the most of it—and when it’s time to head back, hop on the bus, plug in your phone, and ride home safe.