Whether you're a first-year student or returning to finish your degree, living away from home can bring lots of new challenges. For lots of us, it’s the first time we’ve had to cook our own meals, keep on top of our washing or manage a tight budget. We've put together our top first aid advice to help you settle into uni life and keep you and your friends safe.
That headache might not be from the all-nighter. It might be carbon monoxide.
Headaches, dizziness, and nausea – easily dismissed as the signs of a hangover or fresher’s flu but they can also be the symptoms of potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.
All university halls and shared houses should have a carbon monoxide alarm installed if needed. However, it’s also important that you know what signs and symptoms to look for and what to do if you suspect you or your friends have carbon monoxide poisoning.
Your flatmate cuts themselves while making dinner. What do you do?
From beans on toast to cooking dinner for all your friends, accidents like cuts, burns and scalds can easily happen in the kitchen. They might seem like small injuries, but knowing what to do can prevent them from turning into something more serious.
And if cooking isn’t your strong suit, or that kebab you got last night isn’t sitting right, it might be wise to familiarise yourself with our food poisoning first aid advice.
Switch on to spiking. What to do if your friend gets spiked.
While having fun with friends on a night out, it’s important to stay safe and be aware of the dangers of spiking. ‘Spiking’ is when someone gives another person alcohol or drugs without their knowledge or consent. Would you know what to do if you or your friend had been spiked?
Spiking isn’t the only risk when you’re on a night out. Drinking can cause more than just a headache, it can lead to alcohol poisoning. When this happens, it can prevent the brain from working properly and the person can become unresponsive. If you think someone has alcohol poisoning, read our first aid advice on how to support them. Or if you think they’ve been poisoned by another chemical or substance, check out our advice on drug overdoses.
Sidelined with a bad knee? Learn first aid for sport injuries.
Uni is a great time to try out a new sport or get involved with an old favourite. If you’re unlucky enough to get hurt while playing, we’ve got you covered with first aid advice for common sport injuries:
Looking after your mental health is just as important.
While university can be a fun and exciting experience, it can come with a lot of new worries and challenges as you juggle studying, socialising and living independently.
Looking after your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you’re struggling, reach out to your uni’s student support services or download our free guide on where you can get more mental health support.
Learning first aid is a skill for life, not just term time.
Take a look at our full range of first aid advice so that you can feel more confident in dealing with a first aid situation or emergency.
