Staying safe

Being safe, healthy and feeling at ease whilst studying is important, and we want your time in higher education to be enjoyable, safe and enhancing the complete student experience.

Cardiff is a safe, welcoming city which regularly tops polls measuring quality of life and culture. However, for those new to living away from home, we and our partners at South Wales Police and Cardiff Council recommend using a bit of common sense in order to protect and make you less vulnerable to any potential crime.

Here’s some information about keeping safe during your time as a student in Cardiff.

Safety in your student home

Student residences often have more possessions than an average family home, making them a tempting target for burglars. Here are some easy tips to keep your space safe:

No matter where you are living, ensure that you have suitable insurance for your belongings and take your valuables home during the vacation periods. Thieves are more prepared to use force to gain entry, as there are very few people around to see or hear them.

Safety on campus

The College, especially the main foyer, is open to the public, making it easy for opportunists to access unattended belongings. Even the restricted areas, if someone holds the door open for them.

Never leave items unattended. Theft of unattended belongings is the most common crime on campus, and it’s the easiest to prevent.
Don’t rely on access systems – swipe cards and codes work only if you’re careful. Avoid holding doors open for people you don’t know and always lock/close doors when leaving.

Safety on the streets

Walking alone, especially at night, can feel scary, but these tips can help you stay safe and reduce the risk of crime:

Keep valuables out of sight. Don’t advertise your belongings – hide your wallet, phone or expensive gear.
Avoid keeping things in your back pocket. Not only is it obvious to anyone walking behind you, but it is one of the easiest places to steal from.
Stay alert with your phone. If you need to use your phone, stop and stand with your back to a wall so you can stay aware of your surroundings.
Carry a personal attack alarm – these alarms are a handy tool for anyone. Stay aware, stay prepared and take simple steps to protect yourself and your belongings.

Safety on nights out

Drink spiking

Drink spiking is a serious and growing concern. Substances are secretly added to beverages with the intent to impair or harm the person consuming them. Drinks spiked with alcohol or drugs can make a person seriously vulnerable and carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence in the UK.

This guide can help you recognise the symptoms of drink spiking so that you can act quickly to help yourself or others.

If you or someone else believes that they have experienced discrimination, harassment, bullying, inappropriate behaviour, verbal or physical violence of any kind, you can report this to us.

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You can talk to our Student Services team about any of this, or anything else that might be worrying you...

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