Safety on campus and in the city

Your safety is our priority, and the vast majority of our students come and go from University without any problems with crime. However, it’s important that you think about your own safety when on campus and in the city. Here's some tips to help you stay safe on campus.

Students outside Seacole

 Familiarise yourself with campus

If you’re confused about where you are, you can look vulnerable. Take the time out in the day to get used to campus and the city. Our travelling to uni page can help, and we've put together the below preferred walking routes to our campuses whether you're travelling by bus, tram or train.

Lock your door

You probably thought you wouldn’t be nagged for locking the door now you’re living away from home. It’s so easy to forget, especially when you’re only heading out for a few minutes, but it only takes seconds for valuables to be stolen.

Know the numbers

Our Security Services are on site 24/7 for your safety. If you experience or witness any crime or anti-social behaviour on campus you can call the team on the following numbers:

  • 0121 331 6325 for general enquiries
  • 0121 331 6969 for emergencies only

The University has a campus-wide CCTV Scheme in operation, which is monitored 24 hours a day, all year round, by Security Control staff.

Keep it out of sight

Whether you’re leaving your car, your room or even as you're walking through campus, try to keep any valuables such as phones, money and electronics out of sight. If you’re carrying cash, try to get it out discreetly when paying for things. 

Don’t text and walk, as this reduces your awareness of your surroundings, and make sure your music isn’t so loud you can’t hear other people approaching.

You can also make a list of your valuables with make, model and serial number, and use tracking apps in case things get lost or stolen.

Keep to lit areas

The frontages of our buildings are well lit, but we can’t say the same for some of our surrounding areas. Keep to well-lit paths and avoid shortcuts where you can during the evening.

Stick with friends

Where possible, if you’re walking home late, walk with a friend or in a group. If you’re leaving a club or pub, check in with your friends. Trust your instincts – if you feel unsafe, stay near a group of people, find a busy area or go into a shop.

Avoid intruders

Our reception barriers help to manage who is coming in and out of our buildings. By making sure you’re the only person using your ID card for access, you’re keeping yourself and other staff and students safe.

Check your taxis

Always check your taxi for taxi plates before getting in it - don’t just get into a vehicle outside a nightclub or pub as they may not be a taxi. Always carry the telephone number of a trusted, licensed company with you; the Students' Union can advise on a good firm to use.

Know your University Officers

All West Midlands universities have a dedicated campus Police Officer. You’ll spot our officers patrolling campus, and you can also follow them on Twitter.

Our Security team also conduct additional patrols around our City Centre Campus, and they're happy to stop and have a chat about being safe on campus.

Shake it off

The Hollie Guard personal safety app lets you automatically send your location and audio/video evidence to a designated contact by just a simple shake or tap of your phone.