Going through town the other day I noticed lots of ‘Freshers’ (first year students) about.

I couldn’t believe how young they looked – such a cliché, but true! It made me feel as old as all my … mumble mumble years.

I almost felt the urge to ruffle their hair and ask how school was going.

Anyway, as this is the time of year when these new students are hitting our streets on their newly bought bikes, to pre-empt any crazy riding I thought I would suggest some local advice for student cyclists.

Firstly – buying your bike. Second-hand bikes are cheaper and are less likely to be stolen, and can be bought from bike shops such as the Oxford Bicycle workshop, in Magdalen Road.

However, if you buy a second-hand bike from elsewhere, make sure it’s not a stolen one – bike theft in Oxford is rife.

See if there's a postcode on the bike which you can check with the police – if it looks like a code or postcode has been scratched over, then this is often the mark of a stolen bike.

Needless to say, do get a good lock at the same time and ALWAYS remember to lock your bike.

Next, do use lights at night. Even though some handbags are not designed to carry bike lights, the fake Prada bag my friend has can fit bike lights and a yellow jacket in it, with still enough room for your ‘lippy’.

Also be aware that this is the time of year that the police do spot checks looking out for cyclists without lights, and fines are more expensive than buying lights.

Do choose a good spot to lock your bike – in a proper rack (if you can find one free) or attached to something. Placed with other bikes, it will be less likely to get trashed or stolen.

Don’t think that just because you can still walk upright after 10 pints of Guinness and three shots you are still able to cycle – leave your bike locked up till morning, and the walk to fetch it will help clear that hangover.

Don’t overtake on the inside – bike riding, just like car driving, has rules! Starting on the outside lane at a roundabout and then cycling right round it and cutting up other riders in the process is not going to endear you to them or to drivers either.

Don’t ride on the pavement – yes, it’s ok if you’re learning to ride a bike and you’re three, but now you’re older perhaps try the road for size (it’s the same principle, only without the people to avoid).

Do indicate! Yes you can do it, don’t feel shy, it’s not like we’re following you and you won’t lose street cred by doing this. Here are some tips – left arm out = going left, right arm out = going right. And don’t forget to look behind you before you indicate.

Don’t take your cycling gear back home at weekends for your mum to wash – the whole reason your parents encouraged you to go to university in the first place was so you’d leave home and do your own washing.

And finally (and most importantly), a non-cycling tip: don’t tell the pub landlord the beer’s been watered down.

Now you’re here, it might be useful to learn a bit of Oxford history – insulting the beer in Oxford in 1355 led to the St Scholastica’s day riot, which resulted in the deaths of 63 students.

So, follow the rules and it may not be necessary to mention the whole Town v Gown divide, and we will get on swimmingly. Cheers!