Personal safety

Personal safety tips

On campus

• Keep your belongings with you.
• Keep the number for Campus Security in your phone.
• When leaving campus late, walk with friends or call a Security Escort to walk with you.
• If you need assistance on campus call Security.
• Park in the university car park.
• Use the after-hours VU Shuttle Bus to the train station.
• Download the VU Safe app.

Using transport

• In a car, wear a seatbelt.
• Check public transport timetables in advance.
• At night sit in a carriage nearest to the driver.
• Be aware of emergency assistance buttons.
• If you feel uncomfortable get up and move.
• Avoid isolated stops.
• If travelling alone, let someone know your travel schedule.
• Keep your belongings close to you.

In public

• Keep your belongings out of sight, e.g. don’t have you phone visible in your back pocket or leave your bag unzipped.
• Be aware of the people around you.
• Leave valuables at home, e.g. your passport.
• Don’t give out personal information, e.g. your address.
• Be alert and aware, e.g. look where you walk, not at your phone.
• Keep your phone with you, or have money or a phone card.
• Notice safety features such as CCTV cameras and police or security staff.
• Pay attention, if you have headphones in keep the volume low.
• Download a personal safety app, such as bSafe.

Going out at night

• Plan your trip there and home, e.g. book a taxi or uber in advance, or look up the public transport timetable.
• Never hitch hike or take a ride from a stranger.
• Have safety precautions ready to use, such as a whistle and light with you, or in an app.
• Travel in a group if you can.
• Use footpaths, crossings, and stick to well-lit areas.
• If you feel threatened by someone, tell them to stop loudly or ask someone else for assistance.

At home

• Keep windows and doors locked, especially at night.
• Don’t open the door for strangers.
• Leave a light on when out at night, in particular a sensor light.
• Be fire safe, install smoke detectors and develop a fire escape plan.
• Keep your garage door closed and locked.
• Have a neighbour collect your mail if you’re away.
• Don’t hide a key outside the house.
• Keep valuables out of view from outside your home, including packaging from expensive items in rubbish bins.
• Install an alarm or get a dog to deter intruders.