Your Guide to Ending Exams

Whether you've just handed in final paper or you’re almost done with exams, the end of assessment period is finally in sight!

We know you’ll be eager to celebrate your hard work and achievements, so we want to help ensure your celebrations are safe and memorable for all the right reasons. 

Looking Out for Your Mates  

We know it's tempting to start the celebrations the second you walk out of that exam hall, but not everyone finishes at the same time. Your flatmate might be staying up late studying for their exam tomorrow, or your neighbour could be in the middle of their final paper. 

Our quiet hours are still running 24/7 throughout exam period, which basically means keeping things chill noise-wise until everyone's officially done. If noise can be heard outside of the room you are in, it's time to turn down the volume.

This doesn't mean you can't celebrate, just maybe save the karaoke session for later! Keep your music, chats, and celebrations at a volume that won’t disturb your fellow residents or have your neighbours wanting to throw their textbooks at the wall. 

Celebrating Safely 

The best celebrations are the ones you actually remember. After weeks of working hard and studying for your assessments, celebratory drinks sound pretty appealing. Just remember your body might not be as ready for it as your mind is. 

Your tolerance is probably lower than usual after all that exam stress, weird eating schedules, and questionable sleep patterns. Make sure take it easy, drink plenty of water between rounds, and try not to drink alcohol on an empty stomach. 

Keep an eye on your friends. If someone's looking unwell, don't hesitate to get help. Security and Residence Life staff are always on hand if you need them.    

Set up meeting points if you're going out in a big group, and make sure everyone knows how they're getting home. Keep your phone charged, have emergency contacts handy, and let someone know roughly what you're up to. 

It’s never safe to use drugs, and drug use is not permitted in University residences.

However, if you do choose to use, testing your substances is one way to reduce harm.

Subject to availability, students can pick up free drug testing strips for synthetic opioids through LUU Advice, including: 

• Nitazene strips – these small cardboard strips help detect nitazenes, a strong type of synthetic opioid. 
• Fentanyl strips – simple paper strips that can show if fentanyl is present. 

Testing only takes a minute, but it could save a life. 

Find out how to stay safe around drugs and where to get help by visiting the University’s harm reduction webpage. 

What to do in an emergency  

On campus

Call University Security Services: +44(0)113 343 2222.

They are available 24 hours a day to help and will work with other emergency services to get you help quickly.  

In University accommodation

If you live in University accommodation, and you believe somebody may be having an opioid overdose, each residence has a member of staff trained to administer Naloxone – a medication used to reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone does not harm the person who is administered with it, even if it turns out they aren’t overdosing.   

If your residence reception is open, reach out to your residence Site Team.

During out of hours, you can contact your Residence Life Assistant or residence office or phone University Security Services: +44(0)113 343 2222.  

Off campus

If your emergency is not on campus, call 999.  

Local Community Legends 

Your celebrations might take you beyond campus, whether that's hitting up local pubs, grabbing some proper food, or spending the day enjoying the sun in Woodhouse Moor.

It’s important to remember that, while you’re celebrating, lots of local residents are getting on with their day. 

Keep the noise down when you're walking through residential areas, especially late at night.

Don't use people's gardens or doorsteps as impromptu hangout spots, bin your rubbish properly, and be respectful to the people you meet, whether that’s shop owners, bar staff, taxi drivers, or just people passing by.  

If you are heading out, plan how you're getting home before you leave, and stick together for safety.  

BBQ Safety  

With the weather getting nicer, BBQs might seem like the perfect way to celebrate outdoors. Disposable BBQs can be dangerous, so before you start planning your celebration feast, let's talk safety.  

Never use disposable BBQs in your flat, on balconies, or anywhere near entrances to the buildings. Some of our residences have designated BBQ areas, so check with your residence staff to find out more about whether you’re allowed to use BBQs and where the best place to do so is. 

If you're thinking about using one in a public space, make sure you're allowed to and follow the rules. Always have water or sand nearby, never leave it unattended while it's lit, and remember they can stay scorching hot for hours after you think they're done.

They can cause burns or start fires even if they look completely cold, so make sure you put out the BBQ once you’ve done, wait until it cools to move it and dispose of it properly in a waste bin. 

We've Got Your Back 

If you need any support with anything, we've got loads of resources available.

The Student Counselling Centre and Health and Wellbeing services are brilliant, and our Residence Life and Security teams are around for any concerns or emergencies. 

Remember, celebrating responsibly doesn't mean celebrating less, it just means making sure your hard-earned break from exams is safe and fun for all.

You've worked so hard to get to this point, and you deserve to celebrate in a way that leaves you with amazing memories.