KEEPING SAFE ON CAMPUS

Whilst university campuses are largely safe places, it’s still important to be vigilant –especially when you’re distracted having fun. Here are our top tips

Know where the campus Security Office is. Download a campus map and locate the Security Office. It will take two minutes, but if there’s ever an emergency, you’ll be thankful you were prepared.

Plan your routes. Wherever you are, familiarise yourself with your surroundings. When travelling by foot, always stick to well-lit areas and paths, and observe road markings and signs. If you’re studying in a city near the coast or with a river, stay extra vigilant in these areas, particularly if you’re under the influence.

Protect your stuff. Get your valuables marked by the police (usually available on campus at certain times) and keep your belongings properly insured. Remember that your work is probably more valuable to you than your computer, so always back up to an external hard drive, memory stick or the cloud.

Stay safe online. When we think ‘personal safety’, we rarely think of online dangers. But whether you’re meeting someone from Tinder, or chatting on Minecraft, remember there’s a possibility that they might not be who they say they are. Never disclose personal or financial details about yourself.

Know your exits. Whilst it’s pretty rare for there to be a fire in your halls of residence, student house or lecture hall, it’s a good idea to always be aware of your exits. And if you hear a beeping coming from a smoke detector, change the battery. It will take no more than two minutes and could be the difference between life and death.

Staying Safe On A Night Out

Whether you are heading out to the SU bar or into town, be sure to:

■ Be sensible about how much you drink and never leave your glass unattended.

■ Make sure you always have enough money for a taxi home and that you only get into licenced vehicles.

■ Stay close to your mates, and make sure that you look out for them as well. If you do become separated and they aren’t answering their phone, get a cab home. Tell your mates if you plan to separate from the group.

■ Watch out for your belongings on a night out –lost phones and bank cards will double the headache the next day.

Keep your doors locked. Whether you’ve gone to use shared facilities or have popped out to check the post box, remember to always shut and lock your door. Your roommates are probably great people, but sometimes there can be visitors around that you can’t vouch for. Err on the side of caution and shut bedroom and main entrance doors to protect you and your mates.