Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, stay safe and look after yourself and your friends…
POINT ONE: HELP STAYING SAFE…
The University has a Security Team that operates to assist students, staff and all visitors to the University 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you are a student on or off campus, you can access their support if you have any personal safety concerns. They have their main Control Room located on St Johns Campus behind Main Reception and also have a supporting Control Room based at City Campus behind Reception. They can be contacted through our Main Reception on 01905 855000, 07977 973956 or Security@worc.ac.uk
If you are a victim of crime, our University Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are here to help. They are based at the University and can be accessed either via email pcso@worc.ac.uk or by telephoning 01905 542629.
POINT TWO: LOCK UP…
It is important to promote the safety of your flat or housemates, as well as yourselves. Make sure your accommodation is kept secure by closing all of your windows and locking your doors when you leave. Keep your ID/Access card safe and do not give it to anyone else.
If you are living in communal housing, pay particular attention to your communal door entrance and ensure it is properly shut and secured when entering or exiting your building.
POINT THREE: WATCH OUT FOR YOUR POSSESSIONS…
Don’t leave possessions such as bags, laptops, mobile phones etc. unattended. If you buy new TVs, laptops, PCs or valuable goods when you come to University, don’t advertise this opportunity to burglars or thieves by putting the packaging outside of the house. Either break down the packaging to fit in your recycling bin or take it to a local recycling site. Don’t forget you might need to get separate insurance for some of these items.
If you ride a bike, make sure you lock it securely and look out for the University’s bike marking events, where you can get your bike marked securely for free.
POINT FOUR: GET HOME SAFE…
Don’t walk home alone late at night. It’s better to walk back with friends or get a taxi. Always make sure you use a marked taxi or registered minicab, and you can always ask for a rough pricing estimate when you book. Make sure you have enough money set aside to get home and don’t spend it.
If you use Uber or Woober, you can share your location and driver’s details with a friend.
There are designated taxi ranks in the centre of town at the Cross, Queen Street, Shrub Hill Station, Foregate Street Station and Angel Place. Furthermore, during the night you can also find taxi ranks at New Street and St. Nicholas Street.
A list of local taxi firms is available from Main Reception.
The Callmy Alert App is the University’s official safety app for students. Whether you’re feeling uncomfortable in a situation, don’t feel safe walking home or have fallen over in your halls, you can easily and immediately notify the University security team and PCSO’s through the app. Use the code ‘WR2 students’ after downloading the app and registering.
POINT FIVE: LOOK OUT FOR YOUR FRIENDS…
When you are out in town with friends, make sure you travel in groups. Don’t leave each other with strangers you’ve only just met, and make sure you’re aware of where your friends are. At the end of the night, try and get a taxi as a group or walk home together to make sure you all return home safely.
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