In light of the recent local and national events, we wanted to reassure you that here at the University of Southampton your safety is of utmost importance, and we take any concerns about your safety very seriously.
If you experience any kind of unwanted behaviour, please tell us by using the Report and Support tool. You can either report an incident anonymously or with contact details, and you will get support from us. We also work closely with our Students’ Union, the police and local venues to address reports that have been made to us. Watch this video to find out more about how the Report and Support tool works. You can also contact Security any time to report an incident or ask for support. Their phone number is on the back of your Student ID card.
While we know you may be aware of the following safety methods, at this time we would just like to remind you of a list of advice and information on how to keep safe, whether you are returning from campus late at night, going out to a local venue, or would like to make sure that your belongings are secure:
Plan ahead – Look up ways to get home from where you are going:
- Unilink Buses operate every night until around midnight and cover various points of interest, including Highfield Campus, City Centre, and halls of residence. For full timetables and routes available please check their website.
- If you are leaving Highfield Campus late at night, the SUSU Safety Bus is another alternative – it leaves on the hour from the SUSU Redbrick every day from 20:00 until midnight or 01:00 and takes you right to your doorstep. It also does two Winchester School of Art trips every day. For the full schedule please head to the SUSU website.
- Keep a note of a reliable taxi firm handy in case you can’t access your mobile phone, make sure you have enough cash on you for the fare or check if they are able to take card payments before you travel.
- If you choose to walk after dark and don’t have someone to walk with, let a friend know the route you will be taking and what time you expect to arrive. Try and take well-lit, main roads and avoid shortcuts.
- If you are ever worried while you are travelling, go to a place where there are more people around.
How to reduce the risk of drink spiking:
- Do not leave your drink unattended and never accept a drink unless it is poured or opened in your presence.
- Look out for changes in consistency, colour or taste.
- If you notice something or begin to feel strange, ask a friend or a member of staff for help. Many bars are now carrying testing kits, so if you think something is off, ask bar staff if you can test your drink.
To find out more about drink spiking please visit the DrinkAware website.
Be vigilant with your possessions:
- Watch your bags, wallet, credit cards, phone, laptop and any other valuables, and don’t leave them in plain view.
- Keep your bills and bank statements out of sight, as they have sensitive data that could be used by criminals.
- Be alert when using cash machines. Keep the amount of cash you carry to a minimum.
- Make sure you lock up your bike if you leave it unattended.
- Close your windows and lock your doors when you leave. Always keep your accommodation secure even if you are out for only a few minutes.
