Starting university is an exciting time filled with new experiences. You’ll have lots of fun, but you also need to be mindful of your safety. While you’re at the University of Liverpool, we’ll do everything we can to help you stay safe.
Although Liverpool is one of the safest cities in the UK, to help keep you and your belongings safe we wanted to remind you of some key safety tips.
Protecting your property
To keep your property and belongings safe, follow these top tips:
- If you are leaving the house, remember to always lock all doors and windows and activate any house alarms. When you are at home, all external doors and windows should be locked – this includes before you go to bed.
- If there is access at the back of the property, always make sure that gates are locked and the fences are secure.
- Make sure that any valuables are out of sight. Laptops, gadgets, and computers that can be spotted through a window will make your home very attractive to burglars.
- Light timers are a good way of making it appear that your house or flat is occupied – whether you’re out for the evening or away for a few days.
- It’s also worth registering your possessions for free with Immobilise, the national property register. This allows the Police to identify the owners of any recovered property, should the worst happen.
- If you live in a flat or shared accommodation, make sure you know who is following you into the building.
- Consider installing an anti-theft app on your phone, which can be an effective way of helping police trace it and identify the thief should it be stolen.
- Prevent flooding – know where your main stop valve is. Follow the winter weather advice from United Utilities.
- Don’t leave the packaging from expensive goods you have bought outside next to your bin so that they can be seen, instead, take it to a recycling bin or tip.
Keeping yourself safe
When you’re out, try to follow this advice;
- Street crime is often opportunistic, so making yourself less of a target by being 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.
- Protect your valuables and keep them out of sight when you’re out. Don’t leave laptops or phones unattended, even in the library.
- If you’re going out, plan your journey home before you set off. Pre-book a taxi or arrange a lift with a non-drinker. Perhaps even select one of your group to be the designated driver.
- Remember to use a licensed taxi or black cab. Don’t hitchhike or accept lifts from strangers.
- Be vigilant when using cash machines and making payments. Make sure you protect your PIN. If you do need to withdraw cash use a machine in a busy well-lit area and stay with friends.
- Drink responsibly. You’re far more vulnerable when you are drunk, especially if you’re on your own.
- Never leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from a stranger if you didn’t see it being prepared.
- Attract help if you feel threatened, and make as much noise as possible to identify yourself in order to warn off the individual and to attract help from others.
For more information and advice about enhancing your personal and property safety click here.
Campus Support
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.
If you or anyone else is in immediate danger, please call the police or ambulance service on 999.
Everything you need to know about Welcome
There’s plenty to keep on top of while you get ready to join us this September. Remember, all the important information you need to access before you arrive is available on our welcome webpages and via the links below.
We will be in regular contact with you over the next few weeks, so keep an eye on your emails; we’re looking forward to seeing you soon!