Be Safe | Game Changer

Be Safe is an ongoing campaign aiming to raise awareness of the safety of one’s self and preventative measures that could be set in place to ensure better safety of student’s on and off campus.

Top Tips

University can mean a new city and environment which is exciting! Enjoy your new surroundings safely following these top tips!:

Going out at Night

• Try to plan ahead. Make sure someone knows where you are going, who you are meeting and when you expect to return. 
• Always plan how you are going to get home again.

• Don’t leave your drink unattended, and if you start to feel unwell seek assistance from venue staff.

• When out with friends, look out for each other and consider travelling back together, or “checking in” when you each arrive home safely.

Safety when out and About

• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

• Avoid chatting on your mobile phone or listening to music on your headphones, as this can distract you from your surroundings or any potential danger signs.

• You may often be laden with books and bags but always try to keep one hand free and walk confidently and purposefully.

• Think about getting a personal safety alarm. Keep it in an easily accessible place and carry it in your hand if you feel at risk.

• If you are out at night, try to stick to busy streets and near other people. Avoid danger spots such as poorly-lit areas, deserted parks, or quiet alleyways and walk facing oncoming traffic to avoid kerb crawlers.

• Ask if there are any areas near your halls that should be avoided. Some short-cuts may be great during the day but have a reputation amongst other students for being unsafe at night.

• If you see someone else in trouble, think twice before trying to help. This may just aggravate the problem and you could end up hurt as well. It may be a lot more helpful to shout for help, call the police or generally make a lot of noise to attract attention.

Travel Safely

• Consider carrying a personal alarm.

• Inform someone that you are on your way.

• Consider how you are getting home before leaving the house. Pre book a local licenced cab so you know it will be coming at the end of your night.

• Only hail a taxi if it has the illuminated taxi sign.

• Sit in the back and avoid giving away personal details.

• Have your fare ready.

• Try and keep the number of a local, licenced firm with you.

• When travelling by public transport, wait in a well-lit, busy area.

• Sit near other people.

• Make sure you can get to your ticket easily.

• Don’t be afraid of moving should someone’s behaviour cause you concern.

• Trust your instinct.

Suzy Lamplugh Trust

Be Safe Cards

Halls Wardens have business cards with emergency contact details such as police, NHS, health matters, Samaritans and licensed taxi numbers.

Union Angels

'Union Angels' is a group of volunteers there to assist students who have had too much to drink, by helping them find their way home and providing them with coffee, toast and water to help recuperate before heading home.

Cop Shop

We work closely with the Cop Shop Squad to make sure you stay safe when travelling, marking out 'safe routes' to popular locations including Hanley, through painted footprints to guide you to your destination.

Internet Savvy

Make sure that you know exactly what you're sharing, and who you're sharing it with. 
Most social networking sites have simple settings that allow you to have complete control of who sees what. 

Make sure you are cyber streetwise, with these handy principles