Keeping yourself safe: advice for students

Although Liverpool is rated amongst the safest places to live in the UK, it’s still a good idea to take steps that will help keep you are safe whilst on campus and out and about in the city.

Make sure you follow these top safety tips:

  • Be aware of your surroundings – Using a mobile phone, wearing a hood, or listening to music on headphones, can distract you what’s happening around you. Street crime is often opportunistic, so making yourself less of a target by being aware of your surroundings. This will go a long way to keeping you safe.
  • Travel safely – Try to stick to routes and forms of transport that others are using. If you do walk home alone, try to stick to main roads and avoid poorly lit areas, alleyways, and shortcuts through lonely places. If possible, travel with a friend.
  • Be vigilant – When using cash machines make sure you protect your PIN. Try to avoid using a cash machine late at night, and if you have been drinking. If you do need to withdraw cash use a machine in a busy well-lit area and stay with friends.
  • Go against the flow – When walking on the pavement it’s a good idea to face oncoming traffic, as it will make it far more difficult for thieves on two wheelers to ride up from behind and snatch your property. But still also be aware of anyone approaching from ahead of you.
  • Protect your valuables – Keep them out of sight when you’re out, and don’t leave laptops, tablets or phones unattended, even in the library. Be vigilant if you do have to use your phone outside. It’s also worth registering your possessions with Immobilise – the free national property register that allows the Police to identify the owners of any recovered property in the event of theft.
  • Drink responsibly – Alcohol and drugs will reduce reaction times and inhibitions, which makes it harder to assess risks and decide how to deal with them. You are far more vulnerable when you are drunk, especially if you are on your own. Never leave your drink unattended.
  • Attract help – 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

If you have any concerns then the Campus Support Team are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week, undertaking a variety of measures to maintain a safe and secure environment.

They also offer a chaperone service and will escort you around the University campus to ensure you feel safe while on site. To request this service, please contact the control room by calling: 0151 794 3252.