With the semester in full swing and the nights growing ever longer, we hope everyone is enjoying their time and making the most of campus life and the Christmas festivities!
While enjoying yourself and having fun is important, we also want to remind you to prioritise your safety, whether you’re heading home after a night out, finishing up at work, or leaving the library after a late-night study session.
Here’s some helpful advice on staying safe and getting home safely:
Lock up!
Remember to lock your doors and windows when you go out, and don’t leave expensive items in view if you’ve got the downstairs room. If you have a lock on your bedroom door, use that too. You can get expert crime prevention advice from South Wales Police right here.
Stick together
If you’re heading out with friends, make a plan to stay connected throughout the night. You could even create a WhatsApp group to use throughout the evening. Having a buddy system ensures that no one gets left behind!
Be aware
Stick to well-lit areas, avoid shortcuts through alleys, and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
If you’re visiting Wind Street, The Help Point based in The Strand car park is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 10pm – 3am. If you require medical assistance, lose your friends, or want to order a taxi from a safe space the staff there will be able to help you!
Get the bus
Don’t walk home alone! The N91 and N92 are nighttime services. For more information and to check the routes and frequency of the services, check the First Cymru bus website.
Use a legitimate taxi
If you need to get a taxi home, try and share with your friends. You should also:
- Take a photo of the badge showing the taxi plate number, using your mobile phone.
- Sit behind the driver if you are alone.
- Try and share the journey with other students that you know.
- Do not enter the vehicle unless the driver has two matching ID badges; one in the cab on the front dashboard, and one worn by the driver.
- There should only be one driver on board and no other passenger in the vehicle already.
- A meter should be visible, and a price agreed for the journey.
- Never get in a car unless you know for certain it is an official Taxi Cab.
You can find more information and telephone numbers here.
Charge up!
Make sure your phone is fully charged before you go out, just in case you need to use it unexpectedly. If you’ve got an extra power bank, pop it in your pocket in case you run out of juice.
Download the free SafeZone app
This handy app offers immediate access to our security team through your mobile phone. The app is easy to download and gives you immediate access to on-campus security and our team of qualified and experienced first responders.
For more information, handy contacts and tips to stay safe during your time at University, visit our Staying Safe in Swansea page.
Stay safe and look out for one another!