Advice for Students

Stay Safe On Campus

The most common offence against students is theft of unattended items. It’s also easy to prevent.

Remember:

• University campuses are very open and anyone intent on crime could be around
• Security and access codes aren’t infallible – people hold or wedge doors open, doors are sometimes left unlocked
• Keep an eye on your things at all times – especially when
  your attention is elsewhere, like in the library or when playing
  sports
• Don’t leave valuables in your bag if you have to leave it outside an exam room

Student Houses and Halls of Residence

Student houses are often targeted because they contain more
possessions than a family home – with each occupant having their own TV,
stereo etc. Here are some tips to avoid having your things stolen:

• Close and lock windows and doors – even if you’re only
  going out for a short time. This is the most common way that
  burglaries occur in halls of residence. If you have a side alley,
  make sure there’s a secured alleygate and make sure everyone who needs a
  key has one.
• Access coded doors aren’t infallible – remember to shut
  them and don’t wedge them open. Don’t give door codes out to
  anyone, and don’t let anyone in you don’t know.
• Don’t leave things on display – especially if you’re on the
  ground floor. Hide and lock things away, shut your curtains (ask
  if you can put up nets), don’t leave things lying on your desk.
• Take things home for the holidays – burglaries during
  vacation time often use force to gain entry, so make sure there
  isn’t anything for them to take.
• Backup your work away from your computer – if your computer
  or laptop is stolen, you could lose your work. Back it up online
  or somewhere separately.
• Use a UV marker – buy one from a stationery shop and mark
  property with your postcode, or the name of your university and
  student number. Use a permanent address such as your family’s
  home.
• Alarms and timer switches – if you have a burglar alarm,
  always set it when you go out. Get timer switches from a DIY shop
  for radios and lights to make it look like you’re in when you’re
  not.
• Have the right insurance – make sure you have enough coverage for your more valuable items.
• Know your neighbours – if you live in private
  accommodation, keep on good terms with your neighbours so they’re
  more likely to keep an eye on things when you’re not there.
• Register your property on Immobilise – see www.immobilise.com for more information.

Stay Safe On a Night Out

Book a Taxi

It’s safer to book a taxi in advance with a trusted company, and
arrange a safe place to be picked up. Make sure the one that arrives is
the one you ordered.
If you don’t manage to do this, make sure you pick a registered
taxi. Text CAB to 83222 to get a list of 3 nearest licensed cab places.

Stick Together

Go out in a group, and make sure you stay together. Check everyone gets home OK.

Try to have one person in the group who stays sober and can make sure everyone gets home safely.

Make sure your friends aren’t suffering – see StudentUK’s advice on alcohol poisoning

Drink Sensibly

Avoid mixing your drinks, and try to drink water or soft drinks in between – this will help avoid a hangover too!

Keep track of how many drinks you’ve had, and pour your own drinks so you’re aware of how much alcohol you’re having.

Everyone’s tolerance of alcohol is different, so don’t try and match your friends drink-for-drink – go at your own pace.

See Drink Aware for more on the effects and dangers of drinking.

Avoid Drink Spiking

The Facts

• The most common substance used to spike drinks is alcohol.
  Pouring vodka in your friend’s drink for a laugh is still spiking
  and could be a crime
• It happens to men as well as women
• It doesn’t always involve sexual assault, drink spiking can
  be a crime in itself, and can involve other crimes such as theft
• People who don’t drink alcohol are still at risk – some drugs are hard to detect in any drink

Prevent It

• Don’t leave your drink unattended or turn your back on it. If you smoke, go out to do it between rounds
• Be aware of how much alcohol you are having
• Don’t accept a drink from a stranger, if you do – watch it
  being opened or poured, make sure it isn’t interfered with

If It Happens

• Get help straight away from someone you trust
• Get medical help immediately, ring 999
• Tell the police – they will need to do tests as soon as possible before the drugs leave your system

See NHS advice on drink spiking for more information.