In this section
Health and Support
Print this page
  1. UC Website
  2. On Campus
  3. Health and Support
  4. Medical and Counselling Centre
  5. Psychologists
  6. Resources
  7. Party Safe

Party Safe

Starting university can be both stressful and exciting. Partying with friends and new acquaintances is a lot of fun and a big part of university life.

You may like to use some of these strategies to mitigate risk:

  • Trust your gut feeling.
  • If you are going to drink alcohol, eat a meal first, and ensure that there is plenty of water available to drink between drinks.
  • Tell a friend or family member where you will be and how they can contact you.
  • Agree with your friends beforehand as to who will be the designated driver, and agree to arrive and leave together as a group. Should this change, be sure to inform your friends where you are.
  • Try and stick to main roads. Get a taxi home, rather than hitchhike or take a lift with someone you don't know well.
  • Do not drive if you have been drinking or have taken drugs. If you feel unwell, tell someone that you trust.
  • Do not keep quiet and allow unsafe behaviour around you. Speak up.

If needed, where can you get more information or help?

At UC:

  • Call security on campus: 6201 2222.
  • Security chaperone service can accompany you to your vehicle or to another building on campus. Call 6201 2222.
  • Make an appointment at the UC Medical and Counselling Centre if you need to. Psychologists and general practitioners are available. Call 6201 2351 to make an appointment.
  • Check out the Safe and Respectful Community Page resources on preventing sexual harassment or assault.

External:

  • Your general practitioner
  • Emergency department of your nearest hospital
  • Emergency services: 000
  • Police attendance (non-emergency): 13 14 44
  • Lifeline: 13 11 14
  • Canberra Rape Crisis Service (7am -11pm): 6247 2525
  • Domestic Violence Crisis Service: 6280 0900
  • Victims of Crime Helpline (ACT): 1800 8222 72
  • National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service (24/7): 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

Hello Sunday Morning (HSM) is an initiative aimed at creating a better drinking culture. HSM offers two apps to help improve people's relationship with alcohol. They offer a community platform for people taking an alcohol break and an iPhone app for those interested in alcohol moderation.

Other useful links:

The University of Canberra takes a zero tolerance approach to assault and harassment, sexual or other, and our campus culture supports the reporting of any such offences. The University strives to create a safe and secure environment for students and provide extensive support mechanisms for students when they disclose or report incidents. These include welfare, academic, medical and counselling, and accommodation support services.

Remember that safety is your right. The University’s Student Conduct Rules are clear about what constitutes acceptable behaviour and mechanisms are in place to take action against those who break the rules. The rules apply to conduct on University grounds or in relation to any event or activities related to the student’s enrolment and education for students about what constitutes acceptable behaviour is provided during orientation programs.