Personal Safety

Tips and options to consider when studying alone on campus or walking alone:

• Location of a most suitable car park. Is the area well lit?
• Is the entry/exit door I normally use to my office/study area the safest entry or exit to the building?
• Does anybody know that I am studying late and will they know where to find me?
• Did I communicate a time when I will be back in my room?
• What is the safest path for me to use when walking to and from my workplace or lecture/study area?
• Is this pathway well lit?
• Does this pathway have overhanging trees or shrubs which may provide cover for other people?
• Is there a public telephone within the vicinity?
• Should I use the local campus Security Service, and what are their contact numbers?
• Would I feel comfortable carrying a personal alarm?
• The telephone numbers of Campus Security and the local Police Station (keep handy)
• If I am confronted in my workplace or study area, is there a natural barrier I can place between me and the other person (eg, desk, counter).
• Do I have anything in my study or work area that could be used as a weapon against me (e.g, cellotape dispenser, pen, ruler, keys)? Where is the best place to store these items?
• What is the most convenient escape route (e.g, Exit door from my workplace or study area, or, when I'm walking on campus where is my nearest "safe place".
• Is it possible to vary my times of entering or leaving my workplace or study area?
• Do I have a good knowledge of my workplace or study environment (eg, location of toilets or nearest public telephone)?
• Contact telephone numbers of my network of people I can trust and contact for advice or assistance, should the need arise ie friends, relatives, security staff (011 950-4099).