Although Liverpool is rated amongst the safest cities in the UK, it’s still wise to take steps to make sure you are safe at home and whilst out and about.
Personal safety
Many of you will spend some time visiting the various pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants in the area. Follow these simple tips to make sure you plan a safe night out:
- Drink responsibly – You are far more vulnerable when you have had alcohol, so if you are planning to drink make sure you stay with a group of friends. Eat before you go out, and try to alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks. Never leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from a stranger if you didn’t see it being prepared. Check out the Drink Less Enjoy More webpages for further information.
- Plan your journey home – Pre-book a taxi, or arrange a lift with a non-drinker. Remember to use a licensed taxi or black cab. Don’t hitch-hike or accept lifts from strangers.
- Stick with friends – There is safety in numbers; don’t wander off on your own. If you do walk home, try to stick to main roads which are well populated, even if it means taking a longer alternative route. Avoid poorly lit areas including alleyways. If you are travelling alone on public transport, try to avoid waiting alone at isolated bus stops and have change ready to avoid getting your purse or wallet out in public.
- Travel sensibly – listening with headphones or talking on the phone while out and about reduces your awareness of what’s around you.
- Be aware of strangers asking for money – There are many organisations in Liverpool who can help vulnerable people, you shouldn’t hand over money. If you are concerned on campus please direct the person to Campus Support on Bedford Street, opposite the Sports Centre. If you feel threatened call the team on 0151 794 2222 (in an emergency), 0151 794 3252 (non-emergency) and ask for assistance.
- Never get involved in violence – Even if you didn’t start a fight you can still be fined or arrested for being involved.
- Attract help if you need it – If you feel threatened, make as much noise as possible to identify yourself in order to warn off the individual and to attract help from others.
Campus Support Services operates to ensure a safe and secure crime-free environment within the University community, through the provision of a proactive and vigilant Campus Support team. They offer a 24/7 chaperone service to escort any student, staff or visitor around the University campus to ensure that they feel safe whilst on our site. To request this service, please contact the control room on 0151 794 3252.
Protect your home and your property
To keep your home and your property safe, follow these simple tips:
- Lock the doors and windows – If you are leaving the house, remember to always lock all doors and windows and activate any house alarms.
- Light timers – Timers are a good way of making it appear that a house or flat is occupied when it isn’t.
- Protect your valuables – Keep them out of sight in your home and close curtains at night. Don’t leave laptops, tablets or phones unattended, even in the library.
- Be vigilant – Keep your phone out of sight as much as you can when you’re out and about; only use it for calls if necessary. If you live in a flat or shared accommodation, make sure you know who is following you in to the building.
- Register your possessions – Remember to register your possessions for free with Immobilise (the national property register). It will improve your chances of getting them back in the event of theft.
- Be careful with cash – If you need to withdraw cash, try to do it in the day, when there are more people about and only take out what you need. Make sure you protect your PIN. If you do need to withdraw cash late at night use a machine in a well-lit area and stay with friends.
For more information and advice about enhancing your personal and property safety, contact our friendly Campus Support team or visit the Liverpool Student Homes website.
Look after your mental health
Your mental health is as important as your physical health and it is vital to seek help if you feel stressed, depressed or vulnerable. There are lots of support services and resources available including: the University Counselling Service; the Mental Health Advisory Service; SilverCloud free online self-help modules; Big White Wall, which is an online mental health and wellbeing service providing 24/7 online support; Bibliotherapy resources; a Relaxation Programme; and regular groups and workshops run by the Counselling Service. A list of other support networks you can access can be found on our Counselling Service webpages here. If you or anyone else is in immediate danger, please call the police or ambulance service on 999.
How to get support
We offer a Wellbeing Drop-in between 11am-3pm every weekday in the Alsop Building for practical and pastoral support in a confidential space. You don’t need to book – simply come along to the Student Welfare Advice and Guidance Information Point on the ground floor of the Alsop Building (on University Square).