Spiking Culture at University: Why Women Do Not Feel Safe on Nights Out

The Fear We Carry 

There is a familiar ritual before a night out at university; outfit planning, group chats, the thrill of dancing for a few hours. But for many women, there is another ritual we never chose: the precautions. Watching our drinks, sticking close to our friends, and staying hyper-aware of our surroundings have become second nature. Spiking, whether through drinks or injections, has turned nights out into a calculated risk, forcing us to stay on guard rather than simply enjoy ourselves. 

Despite university initiatives, spiking remains a persistent threat. Reports continue to rise, yet many incidents go unreported due to fear of victim-blaming or not being believed. The responsibility to stay safe is constantly placed on women, whilst actions taken against the perpetrators remains rare. If universities are serious about student safety, they need to do more than offer drink-testing kits and awareness campaigns, they must confront the toxic culture that allows spiking to thrive. 

Why Are Women Still Carrying the Burden? 

I have lost count of the number of times I have been told how to "stay safe" on a night out. Watch your drink. Stick with friends. Never leave your glass unattended. Why is the responsibility always placed on us? 

Universities have rolled out drink-testing kits and posters about consent, but these measures will not stop spikers. According to University College London (UCL), one in ten students has experienced drink spiking, yet 90% of cases go unreported (UCL, 2025). Why? Because victims are often met with disbelief, brushed off as “too drunk,” or made to feel as though they somehow invited this upon themselves. 

One night at a student pub, I had only a few drinks and felt fine, until I didn’t. The next morning, I woke up nauseous and dizzy, unable to piece together how I got home. I never saw anything happen and had no proof, so I did not report it. I assumed no one would take me seriously.

Even when we do everything right, it still happens. It is a sickening realisation, knowing that no matter how careful we are, it is still not enough. Because the problem is not us. It is the people who think spiking is just a joke, a game, or a way to take control of someone else’s body. 

The Culture That Lets Spiking Thrive 

The real issue is not just spiking itself; it is the environment that allows it to keep happening. 

• It is Normalised – Spiking is discussed like it is an unfortunate side effect of nights out, something we just must accept. But we should not. This is a crime. Under UK law, spiking carries a sentence of up to ten years in prison, yet many students do not see it as a serious offence. 

• Victims Are Not Taken Seriously – Reports go ignored. Security can be dismissive. Friends, even well-meaning ones, sometimes ask, are you sure you were not just drunk? These small moments of doubt add up, making victims feel like speaking up is pointless. 

• There Are No Real Consequences – Perpetrators rarely get caught, let alone punished. Even at venues where there are cameras and security, spikers slip through the cracks. Without a serious crackdown, spiking will remain an easy, low-risk crime for those who do it. 

These are not isolated problems; they are part of a wider culture that allows spiking to continue unchecked. 

Universities Need to Step Up 

So, what can be done? What needs to change so that women can go on nights out without fear? 

1. Stop Making It Our Problem 

Enough with the advice on how women should “stay safe.” Universities should be targeting the people responsible, not the victims. This means campus-wide, zero-tolerance policies on spiking, real consequences for perpetrators, and clear messaging that places accountability where it belongs. 

2. Make Reporting Easier (and Safer) 

If 90% of cases go unreported, this is a system that has failed its students. Universities need confidential, supportive reporting channels, ones that actually lead to action. Victims should be met with belief, not skepticism, and given access to medical, legal, and emotional support. 

3. Train Security and Bar Staff Properly 

Most nightlife venues still do not handle spiking well. Some bouncers roll their eyes. Some bars refuse to get involved. Every single person working in nightlife spaces should be trained to recognise spiking, support victims, and take immediate action against suspects. This is not an option, it is a necessity. 

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has launched increased patrols in student bars and clubs during Freshers’ Week in an attempt to deter spiking (NPCC, 2024). But this should not be a short-term initiative, it should be standard practice. 

4. Change the Narrative 

Universities need to stop treating spiking like an inevitable part of student life. We need to educate all students, on what spiking actually is, how devastating its effects can be, and why it is never “just a prank.” This is not just a “women’s issue,” it is everyone’s issue. 

According to Times Higher Education, preventing spiking is not just the responsibility of security staff, but of the entire university community. Awareness campaigns should include bystander intervention training, so that students themselves feel empowered to step in and stop suspicious behaviour before it escalates (THE, 2024). 

5. Invest in Prevention, Not Just Awareness 

Posters are fine. Drink covers are fine. But real change comes from active prevention. That means better lighting, more surveillance, stricter entry checks, and tech-driven solutions like emergency alert apps. If universities can invest in state-of-the-art gym equipment and high-end student lounges, they can invest in keeping us safe. 

UCL has already introduced “Ask for Angela” schemes in student bars, where those feeling unsafe can discreetly seek help from staff (UCL, 2025). But these initiatives need to be widespread, not just in a handful of venues. 

The Bottom Line: Women Deserve Better 

The reality is that women are still modifying their behaviour just to feel safe on nights out. We take precautions, we stay in groups, we cover our drinks, and we look out for each other, yet we still do not feel safe. And how can we?  

Until universities, nightlife venues, and wider society take meaningful action, spiking culture will continue to thrive. The solution is not to tell women to be more careful. The solution is to create an environment where spiking is impossible to get away with. 

Universities have a duty of care to their students, and they must take spiking seriously. Women deserve to enjoy nights out without fear. We should be able to dance, drink, and socialise without constantly looking over our shoulders. Change is long overdue, and it’s time for institutions to step up.