Staying safe at College or University

Most students will, by now, be well settled into the new term at their college or university.

As well as focusing on your studies it is important that you think about how you can keep yourself safe and protect your personal property. There are lots of very simple steps which you can take to make sure that you do not become the victim of crime or come under the attention of the police.

When out and about, know how you are getting there and home, if going out, particularly during the hours of darkness don't go out alone or at least tell someone where you are going and when you might be back. Keep your bag and other items of value close to you and if possible out of sight and don't carry around large amounts of cash. If you are out socialising stay together, do not consume excessive amounts of alcohol and do not leave drinks sitting about unattended.

If you are staying away from home in rented or student accommodation make sure that you lock your house or room. If you are on the ground floor don't leave items of value, such as cash, laptops, phones or tablets, within sight of windows. Thieves will target student accommodation for small items which are easy to conceal, particularly at those times when they know they are likely to be away, for example, weekends. If you can take out property insurance and if you are concerned about the physical security of your property or room talk to your landlord or warden.

It is also important to think about the consequences of inappropriate, illegal or anti social behaviour. Thankfully the number of students who come to the notice of police in these circumstances every year is small, but the consequences for these few can be very significant. There is the potential for a criminal record, expulsion from college or university and long term impact on future employment and travel.

The Police Service do not want you to become the victim of crime or to come under police attention and we will be working with your university and college to do everything possible to prevent this.

Advice is available from the police directly or through your college and you can also find out more by visiting the Student Advice section of our website at www.psni.police.uk/crime-prevention.htm