Top Tips on How To Stay Safe at University

Wondering how to stay safe at university? This article provides you with straightforward tips on personal safety, protecting your belongings, and securing your digital presence, ensuring you can focus on your studies and enjoy university life.

• University students should prioritise personal safety by being aware of their surroundings and securing their belongings, especially during the first weeks of the academic year when crime rates are higher.
• Implementing simple safety measures, such as planning safe travel routes, using licensed transport, and safeguarding digital information, can significantly reduce risks.
• Universities are committed to student safety through security personnel, emergency support services, and by encouraging student feedback to improve safety measures on campus.

As you transition into university life, you’ll find that independence and responsibility significantly increase. This newfound autonomy requires a heightened focus on personal safety, especially considering that theft and burglary are the most common types of crime among university students. It’s particularly crucial to be vigilant during the first six weeks of the academic year when most student robberies occur.

Moving into a new area, especially a bustling city, can pose additional safety concerns in crowded areas. Factors such as paying rent, cooking meals, going out, and managing new experiences contribute to the responsibilities that come with starting university life.

Proactively focusing on personal safety helps students avoid falling victim to crime and ensures a positive experience of staying safe at university.

Check out our other blog for A Parent's Guide To Teen Safety

A sense of safety is crucial for thriving in student life, influencing social interactions, job maintenance, enrollment, and academic success. Early proactive steps can help manage the safety challenges often faced in the initial weeks at university.

Implementing safety measures doesn’t require much time or money, but can significantly enhance your personal safety. Being proactive in adopting safety practices is essential, rather than waiting to react after an incident occurs. Simple precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and securing your belongings, can go a long way in keeping you safe.

Top tips to calm fears about safety include being aware and ready for potential risks. This guide covers essential safety tips for students, including staying safe during nights out, protecting your belongings, and securing your digital presence to help you feel safe.

If you are a student travelling, check out our blog: Top Student Travel Safety Tips

Staying Safe During Nights Out

Nights out are a significant part of student life, but they can also pose safety risks. To stay safe:

• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Ensure your phone is fully charged before heading out.
• Let a friend or housemate know your plans and expected return time.

To ensure safety when walking or travelling home at night:

• Avoid poorly lit areas and shortcuts.
• Pre-book licensed taxis or familiarise yourself with official taxi ranks.
• If using Uber, share your location and driver details with a friend.

For more advice on how to stay safe on a night out, check out our other blog: A Parent's Guide to Safe Socialising

Keeping your belongings secure is crucial. Hide valuable items from view, particularly near doors and windows, to deter theft. Remove or conceal valuables when your property is unoccupied for extended periods.

If your property is lost or stolen, dialling *#06# to retrieve your mobile’s IMEI unique number can assist in its recovery. Register your items on Immobilise and block any compromised bank cards or phones immediately.

Over half of students lack adequate personal belongings insurance, which can lead to significant financial loss in case of theft, so consider getting insured to avoid loss of valuable items.

In our digital age, securing personal and bank details online is crucial. Using security software on your devices is essential for safeguarding your personal information and finances. Enhance your digital security by installing security software on your laptop.

Safeguard your personal and bank details online to prevent identity theft and financial loss. By adopting these practices, you can ensure your digital presence remains secure and protected.

Your accommodation should be a safe place where you can relax and focus on your studies. Lock your accommodation door and secure windows, even for brief absences. Ensure both the main entrance and bedroom doors have reliable locks if you live in private rented accommodations. Follow this advice to enhance your safety. Make sure your doors are locked.

Avoid hiding spare keys in predictable places like under doormats, as criminals are likely to check these spots. Inquire about locking mechanisms and key management when moving into new accommodations to ensure security.

Many universities implement security personnel who regularly patrol the campus and handle incidents, providing an additional layer of safety.

Feeling secure is essential for academic success. Basic precautions like securing doors can significantly reduce risks in a new environment.

The university is committed to empowering staff and students to learn about boundaries and healthy relationships. This section covers specific personal safety measures like drinking safely, travelling safely, and dealing with harassment and assault.

Never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers. SpikeStixx drink spiking detector strips can help identify a wide range of substances and common drugs in beverages, providing peace of mind in social settings.

If you have any further questions on what Spike Stixx are, have a look at our blog: FAQ for Parents

Eat before drinking and drink water between alcoholic beverages to avoid getting drunk. It’s also important to keep track of your alcohol consumption to avoid risky behaviour when you drink alcohol.

Plan your route home and inform someone of your whereabouts. Pre-book a licensed taxi or know where official taxi ranks are. Avoid poorly lit areas and shortcuts when you walk home.

Many universities in the UK provide an escort service to carry students travelling from buildings to their cars or transport terminals, offering additional security.

Universities have zero-tolerance policies towards sexual assault and sexual misconduct. Report any socially unacceptable behaviour to get support and address the issue.

Students should report incidents of sexual harassment or assault and seek support immediately. Many universities offer holistic, trauma-informed support for students affected by sexual assault.

Access to emergency contacts and support services is crucial for student safety. For urgent support, contact campus security, police, or healthcare services. Safety induction sessions usually cover emergency procedures, including fire safety and first aid.

Share your travel plans and expected return time with friends to keep them informed of your whereabouts.

Mobile applications can significantly enhance student safety by providing features such as location tracking, emergency alerts, and educational resources. Many mobile phones allow users to send alerts to preselected contacts in case of emergencies, offering peace of mind.

Some universities have developed live location apps that allow students to share their whereabouts and request security assistance. The effectiveness of personal safety apps has been positively correlated with user engagement, with many users reporting satisfaction with the app features.

Effective safety strategies involve collaboration among university staff, students, and administration. Universities are increasingly focusing on creating a safe environment, which affects a student’s overall experience.

CCTV cameras are commonly installed in public areas of university accommodations to monitor safety without intruding on private spaces. 

Collecting student feedback on safety measures can lead to enhanced campus security and a more supportive environment. Surveys and open forums are effective methods for students to express their concerns and suggestions regarding safety.

Engaging students in discussions about safety can foster a sense of community and shared responsibility. Continuous student involvement in feedback channels has resulted in significant investments and enhancements to campus safety.

In summary, staying safe at university involves being proactive and taking simple precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. From understanding the importance of campus security to using technology for safety, these tips can help you navigate university life securely.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your university experience while maintaining your personal safety. Remember, staying vigilant and proactive is key to ensuring a safe and successful time at university.

The hardest year at university is often the junior year, as it typically involves a demanding blend of advanced coursework, career pressures, and the need for increased independence. Managing these challenges can make it a pivotal time in a student's academic journey.

To effectively protect your belongings at university, keep valuable items hidden and consider using personal belongings insurance while registering items on Immobilise for added security.

If you suspect your drink has been spiked, use a drink spiking detector strip, like SpikeStixx, to check for substances, and always keep an eye on your drink. It's crucial to prioritise your safety by never leaving your drink unattended.

To ensure your digital security, utilise reliable security software on all devices and safeguard your personal and banking information online. Taking these steps is crucial for protecting your data.

If you experience harassment or assault on campus, it's crucial to report the incident to university authorities and seek support right away. Your safety and well-being should be the top priority.