Campus safety
Go ahead and live it up at uni, but with crimes against students on the rise be sure to look out for yourself.
Theft
Campus might seem like a cosy retreat from the real world, but it's not immune from crime. Students are statistically the most likely groups to fall victim to crime, with one in three students affected each year. Your bag is the thief's most likely target, so don't leave it lying around. Also think twice about carrying your purse or wallet in any outside pockets on your bag, and always keep your chequebook separate from your card. Finally, if you're bringing a bike onto campus then get yourself a beefy lock to keep it company. Otherwise you might just come back to find it's been sold into cycle slavery.
Burglary
Use your locks, whether you're in halls or private accommodation. Not just for doors but windows too. There's no need to barricade the place against strangers, but don't go opening your door to anyone unless you're sure about who's on the other side. Stashing spare keys under the doormat or behind the bin is a bad call, but you get brownie points for inscribing your name on items of value. Here are some more top tips from the Home Office to avoid being a victim of burglary:
- Many burglaries happen when a door or window has been left open - in a private home or flat, lock up whenever you go out, with deadbolts if you have them;
- In a hall of residence, be careful who you let in or who follows you into the building - lock your bedroom door even if you are only going down the corridor;
- Robbers are after an easy target - walk in groups at night, travel by taxi or stay over with friends, your safety is worth more than the cab fare home!;
- If possible, use cash-machines during the day - put your card and cash away and be vigilant - never write down your PIN;
- After a night out, arrange to go home with friends, or in a taxi.
Assault
Common sense is perhaps your best protection against any form of assault. Whether you're enjoying a wild night out with a bunch of smashed students, or working out how to get home afterwards, aim to read your environment and think ahead. Don't go to places where you know you'll be accused of looking at someone funny, and stick with people you know. Preferably people who are bigger than you, but if that's not possible than make it up with numbers.
Sexual assault
It's a sad fact that the majority of sexual assaults on students, including rape, are carried out by people they know. It's also the case that drink or drugs are often involved. There's no need to distrust everyone around you, or abstain from letting your hair down, just be clued up about your safety:
- Substances such as Rohypnol ('the date rape drug'), ecstasy, LSD and methadone are thought to have been used in some rapes, so keep an eye on your glass and if you feel ill or woozy in any way then call yourself a cab and get yourself home straight away.
- If someone's hitting on you, always be clear about your intentions. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, either make your excuses or get back to your friends.
- If you think you may have been the victim of a sexual assault then report it to the police and college authorities. They will treat your claim seriously, and can provide appropriate counseling/support.
More info:
For further tips on staying safe on campus visit the advice centre at your Student Union.
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