Have a fun, and safe, freshers’ week

Stirling Area Commander, Chief Inspector Lynn Ratcliff, with a special message to the new students who have been arriving in the city.

Stirling and the surrounding area has been welcoming new students from all across the world.

Many are currently settling into the various halls of residence and other accommodations across the city prior to beginning their studies later this month.

Before the heads get into the books and the hard work begins in earnest, I’m sure that all our ‘newbies’ will be looking forward to the festivities and hilarity of freshers’ week.

There is no doubt that this annual ‘rite of passage’ brings a certain energy and dynamic to the area and this year the celebrations officially begin on Saturday September 9 and run through to Sunday September 17.

There will be lots of events taking place at the university and the students’ union, however, as many of you will be aware, it’s also a really busy time for local pubs, clubs, restaurants and shops.

Officers from the Stirling community policing team, led by sergeant Robert Russell, will be working with a number of partners, including staff from the university, Stirling Council, representatives from the licensed trade, local taxi drivers and British Transport Police, for the duration of freshers’ week to make the event as safe and enjoyable as possible for all involved.

If you are new to Stirling firstly let me welcome you and wish you well for your time here, which I’m sure you will enjoy.

Stirlingshire is a fantastic place in which to live, work or study and I’d like to encourage you to get your time here off to a good start by bearing in mind a few simple tips to help you stay safe and well during freshers’ week and beyond.

If you are venturing into the city to sample the nightlife, enjoy the various events in the pubs and clubs and remember – it’s OK not to drink alcohol.

You can have just as much fun meeting new people and socialising without alcohol but, if you do decide to have a drink, please be responsible about how much alcohol you consume.

Make sure you have a plan for getting back to your accommodation, particularly if you are not yet sure of your way home. Take a bus or licensed taxi and make sure you have your mobile phone so that you can get in touch with your flatmates or friends.

If you decide to walk home try to do so in a group and keep to well-lit, busy areas rather than taking isolated shortcuts.

Stirling is a safe place, but don’t leave yourself vulnerable to criminals by being excessively drunk, careless or making bad decisions.

Stay safe and enjoy yourself.