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Stay safe at uni: 5 student safety tips to pass on to your kids

By Megan Rose

  1. Check they've downloaded their university app

    Many universities have developed apps for their students and staff. Generally, these feature things like coursework deadlines, a campus map and important contact details. Some universities also sign up to apps such as SafeZone or bSafe, which are specifically designed to keep students safe. It’s worthwhile checking which apps are available at your child’s university, and making sure they know how to use them before they go out alone.
  2. Make sure they know where campus security is based

    While the predominance of university campuses are a safe environment for students, it’s always useful to know where help is if they need it. Ensure your child knows where campus security is based, and have them add the contact number on their mobile phone.
  3. Encourage them to check out the local licensed minicabs company as soon as they get there

    Going out and socialising is huge part of university life, and minicabs are a common sight in many university cities. However, not all minicabs are licensed, so find out the companies that are approved by your child’s university. Ensure they save the number on their phone - or download the company's app if they have one - and to always hire a cab before making a journey, rather than picking up an unlicensed one in the street.
  4. Suggest they make a housemate WhatsApp group

    Sometimes groups of friends can get split up on a big night out. Encourage your child to make a WhatsApp or other messaging group with their housemates or university friends to make it easy to stay in touch with one another.

  5. Remind them to lock their bedroom door and windows when they go out
    Living away from home for the first time can sometimes mean that little things, like locking doors, are forgotten, particularly if they are living in halls where doors are often left open. Remind your child to lock their bedroom door and windows before they go out and to put their bedroom key somewhere safe, such as their wallet, to prevent it getting lost on a night out. If you have taken out insurance for their belongings, this is often invalid if something is stolen from an unlocked bedroom in halls.

For more general information on students staying safe at university, check out these tips from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.

Image: Public Domain