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Personal Safety

Although the South Kensington campus has a very good safety record, with the fast times and the dazzling lights of London comes crime, Unfortunately students can end up being victims so it's important to take a few small steps to keep yourself safe. The most common problems facing students tend to be theft and assault. The Advice Centre has free personal attack alarms that students can carry when walking alone in the dark is unavoidable. Below are a few quick tips for you to take on board:

Walking

  • When walking around look confident, be purposeful and alert to your surroundings- people who look confident are less likely to be attacked.
  • Try to avoid taking shortcuts through dark alleys or parks, as this will increase the amount of risk you will be in as it will often be dark and hard to see what is around you. Make sure you stick to the well-lit routes.
  • Try not to draw attention to your valuables especially at night, keep things like mobile phones and ipods well hidden from people.
  • Avoid walking passed parked cars with their engines running and people sitting in them.
  • Don't be tempted to cross Hyde Park after it has closed- the number of muggings here have increased in recent years in particular.

Bus or Tube

  • If you are going out make sure you know where you are going and you have a planned route, it is also a good idea to tell someone you live with where you are going if you travelling on your own.
  • If you are travelling by bus try to sit near the driver or by train try to sit in a busy carriage.

Taxi or Cab

  • It is also important to remember that when you are trying to get home late at night to be aware of the transport you are getting into- London has quite a big problem with unlicensed mini-cabs
  • If you are stranded somewhere and need to take a taxi ensure that you use a licensed mini cab or licensed black taxi. You can get the number of one taxi and two licensed minicab firms in the area you are in by sending a text to Cabwise.
  • It is always better to book a taxi in advance rather than trying to hail one late at night.
  • If you can, try to share a cab home with friends.
  • Confirm the details of the cab driver before entering the car to ensure it actually is your cab.
  • Make sure you sit in the back if you are on your own and ensure that you leave all doors unlocked.

If you do happen to be the victim of crime it is important that you contact the police to report this or if it occurs on campus then to contact college security.

Obviously being a victim of crime can also affect you afterwards in your daily life and can often make you nervous of people and of going about your daily business. If you are feeling quite anxious after being a victim of crime there is help out there in the form of victim support. The Suzy Lamplugh Trust provides plenty of information on reducing the risks of being a victim of crime. Remember to lock the door of your room and most importantly get contents insurance or check if you're covered by your parents' policy when you're at university.

Obviously some of you may not feel comfortable talking to a stranger regarding your issues so sometimes it is good to confide in friends and family. The Advice Centre can help talk through certain issues and can also advise you on the best people to talk to so you can solve your issues in the most effective way.

Nigel Cooke
(020) 7594 8067
IC Extension 48067