safety

Personal Safety Information for Students

Whether you are new to the city, new to student life or returning for your 2nd or 3rd year, you need to keep your wits about you when you are out and about, especially on a night out.

Before you go out – THINK: “Keys, Money, Phone, Plans to Get Home?”

By following these simple steps you can help make sure you remember your night for all the right reasons.

  • Pre-book a taxi – make sure you know how you’re getting home.
  • Look out for your friends and arrange a safe meeting place in case you get separated.
  • Save an ICE (In Case of Emergency)number in your phone.
  • Stash some cash in case you lose your purse.

When you’re out

  • Keep an eye on your drink –never leave it unattended as it could get spiked.

  • Stay aware of what is going on around you.

  • Keep away from situations you feel uncomfortable with.

  • Never accept a drink from anyone you don’t completely trust.

  • Know your limits and always stay in control.

  • Never mix alcohol with drugs

If you walk, do it safely

  • Never walk alone at night, stick with your friends

  • Always  keep to busy, well-lit areas and use main routes / paths

  • Walk towards the traffic

  • Never take shortcuts down dark alleys or through park

  • Consider carrying a personal alarm or loud whistle

  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times - don't wear headphones or talk on your mobile

  • Never accept a lift with a stranger or someone you don't know very well even if you are wet, tired or running late
  • Avoid passing stationary cars with their engines running and people sitting in them

If you do need help

If you are a victim of a crime you should report this to the police. You can do this in a number of ways:

  • Calling 999 – if you are in immediate danger or the offence has just occurred
  • Calling the Northumbria Police control room on 03456 043 043
  • Going to a police station

You can also use

  • Student Wellbeing service

www.ncl.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/

King's Gate. The main Student Services entrance to level 2 is next to the Northern Stage and opposite the Union Society Building. There is also an entrance at Level 1 from Barras Bridge.

Student Wellbeing provides information, advice and guidance on a wide range of student support issues to enable all students to maximise their potential whilst at University.

They provide information, support and assistance in the following areas:

  • counselling and mental health
  • disability
  • specific learning difficulties
  • faith
  • fees, funding and finance
  • healthcare and medical matters
  • general wellbeing

Opening hours:

9.00am to 5.00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

10am to 5pm Wednesday

  • Student Advice Centre

http://www.ncl.ac.uk/undergraduate/life/support/studadv.htm

Student’s Union Building, just to the left of the main doors.

The SAC offers a professional support service to all students and their dependants. The service is friendly, free, impartial and strictly confidential. They can listen to your worries and frustrations, and discuss possible ways forward. It is staffed by independent and experienced advisers who can provide advice, information and assistance on a range of matters.

You can call them on 0191 2393979 or at sac.reception@ncl.ac.uk

Opening hours:

Opening hours

Drop-in hours

Livechat hours

Monday

10am - 4pm

12pm - 2pm

10am - 4pm

Tuesday

10am - 4pm

12pm 2pm

10am - 4pm

Wednesday

12pm - 6pm

12pm - 6pm

10am -4pm

Thursday

10am - 4m

12pm - 2pm

10am - 4pm

Friday

10am - 4pm

12pm - 2pm

10am - 4pm

Victim Support is a national charity which helps people affected by crime. They provide free and confidential support to help you deal with your experience, whether or not you report the crime.

If you are not sure you want to report it to the police, you can talk to other agencies, including:

R.E.A.C.H helps women and men aged 16 or over who have been raped or sexually assaulted. The centres are staffed by women who are experienced in dealing with the effects of rape and sexual assault. They are happy to help you whether or not you wish to contact the police. If you do decide to report the assault, they can help you do that and act as a contact for you.