3 min read
20th November 2019

Student Personal Safety

Photo by Artem from Pexels
walking alone

Remember that the majority of crimes are opportunistic, which implies that they can be prevented. Listed below are a few personal safety tips that you can adopt while you are out and about.

Out and About — Reduce the Risk

  • Try yo avoid being out and about on your own – particularly in the dark.
  • Wear sensible clothing and keep long hair tied back.
  • Radiate confidence, not vulnerability.
    • Woman walking alone at night
  • Walk facing the traffic as oncoming traffic can warn you if they think you are being followed.
  • Avoid taking shortcuts along dark, alleys, parks or wasteland. Keep to the middle of the pavement away from car doors and hedges. Only use well lit, busy roads.
  • Always carry a personal attack alarm. Carry your alarm in your hand or secure to your person ensuring the cord is easily accessible/operable.
  • If possible arrange to go home with a friend.
  • Let someone know what time you expect to be home.
  • Do not hitch-hike or accept a lift off strangers.
  • Cover up expensive jewellery.
  • If you are out late on your own, arrange to be taken home safely or call a taxi.
  • Do not carry large amounts of cash or important documents such as your passport unless you need them. Passports, in particular, can be difficult to replace.

If you think you are being followed

  • Cross over the road, if you are followed cross back again.
  • If you are still concerned, go to the nearest public pace, a shop, pub or house with lights on and call the police.
  • Do not use an enclosed pay-phone, in which you could be trapped.
  • If someone tries to grab your possessions, do not resist. Try to get a good look at them, then call the police, giving your location, the description and direction the assailant went off in.

Always carry some cash in case you need to get a taxi

  • Keep the number of a reliable taxi firm with you.
  • Always sit behind the driver.
  • When the taxi arrives, check that it is the one you booked, not another touting for business - if in doubt do not get in.

If you are jogging:

  • Vary your route but try to ensure you use a well-lit route.
  • Do not listen to music, you are less aware of those around you and of traffic.

If you are threatened:

  • Set off your personal alarm.
  • Scream and shout.
  • Get away as quickly as possible.
  • Always ring the police immediately having retreated to a place of safety. Don't leave it till you get home.
  • If a vehicle is involved try to note the make, colour and registration.
  • Avail yourself of self-defence and safety classes, but most importantly keep yourself fit.

Driving alone:

  • On approaching your vehicle, have your car keys ready in your hand. Check the rear seats and the floor before getting in your car.
  • Ensure that you have sufficient fuel for your journey and that your car is regularly maintained.
  • Always carry some cash.
  • Keep the doors locked and the windows fully closed, particularly in slow moving traffic.
  • Try to park in areas which will be well lit and populated on your return to the vehicle.
  • Do not leave valuables on the seat beside you. Use the glove compartment or place them on the floor. Be extra alert at all junctions, stop signs, traffic lights and in slow moving traffic.
  • Never pick up hitchhikers
  • Do not stop if you feel you are being followed by another vehicle. Drive to a public place and raise the alarm.
  • If followed into your own drive do not get out of the vehicle. Ensure the doors are locked and sound the horn to attract attention and/or call the police.
  • When parking, reverse into the bay so that you can pull out quickly and easily.
  • Never leave the keys, in the ignition, even when you are away from the car for just a few minutes.
  • Never stop to aid a motorist whose vehicle appears to have broken down. Drive on and report the incident by phone.

Travelling alone on public transport

keys in door with hand
  • Try to avoid waiting at isolated bus stops.
  • On a bus or coach, sit as close as possible to the driver.
  • Do not sit in an empty compartment on the train or tube.
  • Do not leave you handbag lose on your lap or on the seat next to you.

On returning home:

  • When arriving home to an empty house, press your own doorbell. An intruder still inside will prefer to leave quickly, so avoiding any risk of confrontation.
  • When arriving home by car or taxi ask the driver to wait until you are inside your home.
  • Have your house keys ready to let yourself in quickly.
  • If there are signs of intrusion when you return home do not enter. Go to a trusted neighbour or a public phone box and call the police.
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