Posted 5 days ago
Thu 23 Oct, 2025 12:10 AM
Getting out and enjoying Nottingham is great, and this city has even been recognised as a safe place to be, holding the Purple Flag award for 15 consecutive years! A good night ends with a safe trip home, so here are the top tips for you and your mates to look after yourselves on the journey back.
Riding with Uber?
When you choose a private hire app like Uber, it's vital to follow simple checks before you get in.
Always match it up. Verify that the number plate, car model, and driver photo match your app exactly. For an added layer of security, use the 'Verify Your Ride' feature: switch this on in settings to require a 4-digit PIN that the driver must enter to start the trip.
Once you're on the move, keep loved ones in the loop by using 'Share My Trip' to send your real-time location to up to five trusted contacts, and remember that the in-app ' Safety Toolkit ' lets you call for emergency help and share your exact location.
Know Your Taxis: Hackney Carriages and Private Hire
Knowing the difference between licensed black cabs and private hire cars is key to a safe journey. Nottingham Hackney carriages are easily identified by the Nottingham City Council coat of arms on the front doors and white licence plates. They operate on a meter for city journeys and can be hailed on the street or found at a taxi rank. If you prefer to pre-book a black cab, use the MyTaxi app.
For private Hire Taxi, you must never hail one on the street; you need to book ahead online, by phone, or with an app. When your car arrives, make sure you check it's yours by asking the driver, "Who are you here for?" before giving your name. These cars are required to have yellow licence plates on the front and back, and the driver should always have their badge on display. To keep it licensed and safe, always look for the Nottingham City Council (NCC) logo on the driver's badge.
For students, the University of Nottingham Students' Union has partnered with DG Cars on the UNICAB Scheme, allowing you to get home safely without cash—just call 0115 9500 500, give your student ID, and sign a form to pay the fare the next day at the SU reception.
Riding the Bus and Walking Home Safely
If you're using public transport, make sure you plan ahead by checking your route and timetable, and screenshot the details to share with your friends. Remember that some bus operators don't give change, so you should be prepared with the correct fare or a contactless card.
Some buses run onto University Park Campus all night, and downloading the NCTX Buses app can help save your favourite stops for quick access.
When walking, always prioritise staying aware of your surroundings; this means you should avoid listening to music so you can hear traffic like trams, e-bikes, and scooters. For your security, stick to well-lit routes on main paths and avoid taking shortcuts. Keep your phone charged, as you'll need it to contact friends or, in an emergency, Call 999 with any safety concerns.
A few essential walking tips:
- Keep valuables out of sight!
- Consider a hand-held alarm attached to your bag or keys.
- Use apps like Strut Safe or share your location with a trusted contact.
Stay Together!
The most important advice, no matter how you travel, is to stick together! Travelling in a group is always safer and more fun. Avoid walking home alone if you feel intoxicated, as this can affect your judgement.
Make sure you and your friends stay connected by agreeing to download a location-sharing app like Life360, Find Friends, or WhatsApp so you can always find each other. By making a plan with your friends before you go out and ensuring everyone knows how you're getting home, you can enjoy your night with peace of mind.
