Personal Safety Tips for Students

It’s that time of year when thousands of students start to think about their rapidly approaching college or university adventures. Others will be embarking on their next academic chapter.

Exciting times, but there are a host of situations that may expose you to danger or criminality, so it is essential to prioritise your personal safety, in order to have a positive and enjoyable university experience. In this article we’ll provide some valuable tips that can help you and your friends stay safe on a night out, protect your valuables, travel safely with tablets and laptops, and more.

Safe Nights Out.

University life traditionally involves booze, socialising, and enjoying nights out with friends. During these extra-curricular activities there are a few things to bear in mind.

• Stay in a group: Never venture out alone at night. Stick together with your friends and watch out for one another.
• Plan your night: Before heading out, research and choose reputable venues. Share your plans with someone you trust, informing them of your whereabouts and expected return time.
• Trust your instincts: If a situation feels uncomfortable or unsafe, trust your gut and remove yourself from it. Your intuition is a powerful tool for self-preservation.
• Take group Photos!: Taking a group photo at the start of an evening may seem like a fun activity, but it also serves as a practical safety measure. By capturing an updated photo of your group, including outfits, you create a visual reference for easy identification should the need arise.

Drink Spiking.

Drink spiking is an unfortunate reality, but there are steps you can take to minimise the risks:

• Keep an eye on your drink. Always keep your drink within sight and control. If you need to step away, finish your drink first or ask a friend to look after it.
• Wherever you can, take your own drinks. Take your own drinks to parties or events. Choose sealed beverages and avoid sharing drinks with others.
• For the ultimate in peace of mind. use drink spiking detectors. These are available as test cards or personal alarms, which can help you detect substances that shouldn’t be present in your drink. Be warned. Not every detector can identify every suspicious substance, so this is not a failsafe solution, just another layer of protection.

Safeguarding Valuables.

Protecting your belongings is crucial, both on and off campus. Following these simple steps will massively help you make it to the end of term with the equipment that you started with.

• Lock it up. Invest in a reliable lock for your room or dormitory. Ensure that you always lock your door when you leave, even if it’s just for a short time.
• Keep your laptop secure. When taking your laptop to classes, use a sturdy and inconspicuous bag. Avoid leaving it unattended or in plain sight, especially in public spaces or libraries.
• Register your belongings. Consider registering your valuables with your university’s security office or using online asset tracking systems. This can aid in recovery if your items are lost or stolen.
• Use a security marking system like SelectaDNA to covertly mark your property. This can identify it to the Police if the worst should happen.

Travelling safely with laptops and tablets.

Your laptop is crucial for your studies. Don’t become blasé about its security. Here are some tips for protecting it when you’re out and about.

• Use a laptop backpack or briefcase. Invest in high-quality kit designed specifically for laptops. These bags often offer padded compartments and additional security features. Obvious, but never leave it unattended.
• Be discreet. When carrying your laptop, avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Use a plain laptop case instead of a branded one, and avoid displaying it openly while in transit.
• Be aware of your surroundings. While using your laptop in public spaces, be aware of your surroundings. Avoid isolated or dimly lit areas, and ensure you’re in a well-populated location. This “situational awareness” is probably the most important personal safety skill to develop.

General Student Life. 

Here is a short list of some great safety advice.

• Use a “buddy system” for late-night study sessions. When studying late at night in libraries or other public spaces, pair up with a friend or classmate. Having a study mate provides an extra layer of safety and discourages potential unwanted attention.
• Share your schedule with a trusted friend. Inform a close friend or family member about your class schedule and any extracurricular activities you plan to participate in. This way, someone will always be aware of your whereabouts and can check in on you if needed.
• Practise digital safety. Protect your online presence by regularly updating your passwords and enabling two-factor authentication on your devices and accounts. Be cautious about sharing personal information online, and ensure your social media privacy settings limit access to your profile. Avoid using external and untrusted Wi-Fi networks.
• Have your emergency contacts on speed dial. Program important phone numbers into your phone’s speed dial or favourites list. Include campus security, trusted friends, and family members who can be reached in case of an emergency. Ensure that you very clearly prefix your emergency contacts with “I.C.E.”
• Utilise campus security services. Take time to find out about the campus security services available to you. Many universities offer security escorts for walking alone at night, emergency call boxes placed around the campus, and 24hr security personnel. Save their contact numbers in your phone for quick access.
• Attend self-defence classes. Consider taking self-defence classes or workshops offered on or off campus. Learning basic self-defence techniques can boost your confidence and empower you to protect yourself if faced with a dangerous situation. The skills you will learn can serve you well at any stage of your life.
• Join or form a safety network. Connect with other students who share an interest in personal safety. This group can share tips, look out for one another, and organise security and safety-related events or workshops on campus.
• Know your surroundings. This goes hand in hand with the important situational awareness skills mentioned earlier. Take the time to explore the campus and surroundings. Familiarise yourself with the locations of emergency exits, well-lit pathways, and nearby public transportation stops.
• Trust your instincts and practice assertiveness. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in any situation, trust your instincts and remove yourself from it. Develop assertiveness skills to set personal boundaries and confidently communicate your needs. Personal attack alarms are a superb deterrent. Small to carry and cheap to purchase, many have a bright and disorientating strobe light as well as an alarm. Just make sure it is easily to hand, maybe on your room’s keyring, and not buried in a large bag.
• Lastly, learn basic first aid. Useful for everyone, enrol in a basic first aid course and learn essential life-saving techniques. You will acquire skills that everyone should have. Being prepared to handle minor injuries or medical emergencies can make a huge difference, if the worst should happen.

Summary.

None of the ideas here are time consuming or awkward to implement. Incorporating those that are most useful for you, into your daily routine, will mean that you can enjoy your student life safely and securely. Share your knowledge with your friends and please, don’t become complacent. Bad things happen when you’re least prepared.