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Reporting safety and security incidents

If you, or a person you are concerned about, is in immediate danger, please call the emergency services on 999. If you’re using a telephone connected to the University network, dial 9 999.

• If you are in a hall of residence, please alert your wardennial team during evenings and weekends and the residential services manager on weekdays if you have called 999, to let them know what has happened.
• If you are not in University-managed accommodation, please alert Student Services at +44 (0)1334 46 2020 during daytime hours or the Security and Response Team at +44 (0)1334 46 8999 after you have called 999.

Reporting to the police

In an emergency phone Police Scotland on 999. For non-emergency issues phone 101.

Safety and security in halls and flats

When staying in University accommodation it is important to consider your safety. For more information please see our Health, Safety and Security guide.

Much of this advice will also apply to those living in private accommodation.

In addition, you may want to check the security of a property before you sign an agreement or lease, specifically:

• check that key-operated locks are fitted to all ground floor windows and those near flat roofs or drainpipes
• check how good the lock is that is fitted on any doors
• make sure outside lighting is good
• keeping valuable items hidden and, during holidays, removing them from the property

Socialising

Socialising is a major part of student life. Keep these simple steps in mind while having fun:

• in advance, think about your night out and how you plan to get home
• be clear on your route to the venue and home again, plan ahead, stick to well-lit routes and consider any potential risks of taking shortcuts 
• let your flatmates know your intended route or use a mobile device to track your route
• text or call a friend to let them know you have arrived safely or are home
• use the Night Bus or, if necessary, a known licensed taxi firm
• don't take lifts from strangers or hitchhike
• when using public transport, be aware of your surroundings when waiting and consider where you sit once onboard
• consider a buddy system, where two people buddy up when out for an evening: two or more people are less vulnerable than someone on their own, particularly in an unfamiliar environment

Online safety

Being online is a major part of our lives and has many benefits, including being able to stay in contact with people, especially if you are living away from home. Like in-person spaces, it is important to think about how you interact with online spaces.

Always remember when online to:

• use privacy settings and regularly review and adjust them on your apps and devices
• make sure you know your friends and followers and do not share private, personal or confidential information or material online: a good test is to think about whether you’d be happy about family or friends seeing what you are sharing
• use strong and unique passwords and follow the latest security advice from IT Services
• avoid posting offensive or intimidating comments

Also remember that anything you post will stay online and may be viewed in the future by others, including prospective employers.

Try to have regular time away from digital devices to give yourself time to relax. There’s lots of advantages to being online, but time away can help you to reset and focus on your wellbeing.

Cycle security and safety

• Take a photograph of your bike and record its details on the University Cycle Registration Scheme. Keep a note of your bike’s serial number.
• Lock your bike up every time you leave it.
• Use bicycle lights when you’re cycling at night. You are invisible to drivers when cycling without bicycle lights. It's dangerous and an offence to cycle without bicycle lights and you will be fined if you're stopped by the Police.
• High-vis vests are also recommended for all cyclists, and pedestrians in remote areas.