Campus and halls safety

University campuses and halls of residence are generally well protected, but that protection depends on residents. A few habits, and knowing who to call, make a large difference in your first term.

Know your security team before you need it

• Most universities run a security service around the clock. Warwick, for example, says its team provides a 24-hour service, 365 days a year, covering first aid, wellbeing, crime prevention and emergency response.
• In your first week, save your campus security number in your phone and find where the security office is.
• Many UK universities use the free SafeZone app. UCL describes it as the best way to contact its security team at the press of a button, on or off campus.
• Glasgow's version has an emergency button that shares your location with security, a first-aid button and a non-emergency button; outside campus range it calls 999.
• These apps do not replace emergency services. UCL says SafeZone is not intended to replace existing services, and off campus you should call the police on 999.

Getting home at night

• Many campuses offer a walking escort. Penn State Greater Allegheny's free Safe Walk service, for example, runs 24 hours a day for anyone who does not feel safe walking alone at night; it can take several minutes for an officer to arrive.
• Ask at orientation whether your university has an escort, a late-night bus or a check-in feature. UCL's SafeZone has a timed check-in: if the timer runs out without being cancelled, security phones you to check you are safe.
• Glasgow encourages students who feel unsafe on campus, walking home or at halls to use the app, and says security will help in whatever way they can.
• The general rules from the Personal Safety module still apply: plan your route, stay in lit areas and walk with friends.

Door entry and tailgating

• Tailgating means following someone into a secure building without using your own access card. Nottingham's Student Living team says it can compromise the safety of everyone in the building.
• Always use your own keycard and never lend it; you could be held responsible for what someone else does with it (University of Nottingham).
• If someone you do not recognise follows you to a card-only door, politely ask whether they live there or ask them to use their own card (LSE; Nottingham).
• Make sure doors close fully behind you, especially heavy older doors, and never prop doors open (LSE).
• Report anyone loitering or trying to get in to reception or hall security, even if they seem friendly (LSE; Nottingham).

Your room, keys and guests

• Lock your door every time you leave, even for a moment (LSE).
• Keep keys on you, never in the door, and do not label them with your room number (LSE).
• Report lost keys to reception straight away (LSE).
• Sign in visitors at reception where your hall requires it, keep guest numbers small, and check with your roommate before inviting people (LSE).
• You are responsible for your guests' behaviour, so only invite people you know and trust (LSE).

Scams aimed at new students

• Glasgow warns that scams are a particular risk early in the academic year, often by people pretending to be a bank, an embassy, the police or the Home Office.
• Its advice: slow it down, check by contacting the organisation directly, and do not send money. No reputable person or agency will demand payment on the spot.
• The Scams module covers this in depth, including fake jobs and money mules.