An angled view of the UWL campus building in Ealing

Keeping safe at uni

Introduction

Being a student at UWL provides a great opportunity to explore London and engage in a wide range of activities. UWL is located in one of the safest boroughs and we want all students to feel confident on campus and travelling around London. 

Main body

Here are our 8 top tips to stay safe at uni :

 1. Get to know your new city routes  

Make sure to check bus timetables, read updates for tubes and trains, and only use registered taxis. A good app/website for travelling around London is CityMapper . 

2. Watch out for friends

Try not to separate from friends and agree on a safe meeting place. Don’t forget to message to check you have all got home safely.  

3. Always keep personal belongings on you  

Do not leave personal items unattended and keep sensitive information safe, such as bank cards, university IDs, and driving licenses. Ensure cars and bikes are locked in a safe place. Don't leave any bags unattended as this may cause security alerts.  

4. Insure your possessions 

Make sure you insure personal belongings, such as laptops, phones, bikes, TVs etc. Register your mobile by dialling *#06# for your unique mobile registration (IMEI) number. Register your mobile’s IMEI and the serial numbers of your electronic equipment, bikes and other valuable items on websites like immobilise.

5. Drink responsibly

Alcohol consumption can affect your normal decision-making and lead you to forget your surroundings. Eat before you drink, drink plenty of water, and keep track of how much you are drinking.  Only participate in activities that you feel comfortable with doing and never feel like you have to say yes. The same applies to other substance issues - please reach out if you are worried about yourself or a friend. 

6. Keep your phone charged

Write down accommodation details and key contact numbers in case your phone dies.

7. Use laptops/phones wisely

Install security software on your personal devices to protect against dangerous websites. Be careful online and ensure you are using credible websites, and never give out personal bank details in an un-secure location or to someone who is not recognisable. Get Safe Online and thinkuknow offer free expert advice including, for example, how to avoid rogue apps and safe surfing.  

8. Report anything that makes you feel unsafe

The UWL security team operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need to report an incident:

In an emergency, dial 999 if you are off campus.