Keeping safe in Adelaide
Throughout our community there is an increasing emphasis on issues of safety and how people can take responsibility for protecting themselves. As a student you need to be aware of how you can keep yourself safe in a variety of places. Just click on the questions below to find out some useful information about keeping safe.
- Will I be safe at University?
- What can I do to maintain my safety?
- What do I do if I feel unsafe on campus?
- What is UniSafe escort service?
- What if I experience harassment or discrimination?
- How do I contact Security or the Emergency Services?
- Is it safe to go out alone in Adelaide?
- What if I continually feel unsafe?
Will I be safe at University?
The University of South Australia is a relatively safe place but violent acts have occurred on campuses. You need to be alert to your safety and the safety of your property.
To increase your safety the University has Security personnel on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These officers patrol the campus, can answer your enquiries and offer you assistance if needed. They can be identified by their blue security uniforms. You can help make the campus safer by reporting any suspicious behaviour to the Security Office.
The University cares about the safety and well-being of students and we want to know if you are unfortunate enough to experience a situation that is unsafe or threatening. We can assist you to receive appropriate support in a timely manner and your information may alert us to possible dangers for other students. Please contact Learning and Teaching Unit during business hours.
What can I do to maintain my safety?
You can establish your safety by ensuring that you have safe behaviour patterns, are aware of circumstances which may lead to danger and avoid risky situations. To do this you need to:
On campus
- familiarise yourself with the location of security phones and the security office on your campus
- avoid walking through the campus by yourself at night
- request Security to escort you if you on campus at night by yourself
- phone Security from the Security phone located in buildings on every campus or dial 88888 from an internal phones, or go to the Security Office if you feel threatened.
Off campus
- stay away from dark streets and poorly lit buildings
- avoid walking through parklands by yourself at night
- be aware of where you are and who else is around you.
- stay with groups of people and in well lit areas as much as possible
- avoid situations which can be dangerous e.g. getting out of a car by yourself at night in a deserted car park
- dial 000 (free call to the Emergency Services) if you are threatened in any way when you are off campus.
- you can contact police on your mobile without unlocking the keypad by pressing 112
For more information about your personal safety on and off campus, please visit the University's Personal safety web page.
What do I do if I feel unsafe on campus?
If you feel unsafe on campus you can:
- go to an area where there are staff or other students or
- phone security from a security phone located in most buildings on every campus or
- phone 88888 from an internal phone.
What is UniSafe escort service?
The Security staff offer you a safe escort to your car, bus, train or tram, and, in same cases, residence. You need to contact Security on your campus of study regarding this service.
What if I experience harassment or discrimination?
Acts of discrimination and harassment are strongly discouraged by staff and students at University of South Australia. There are situations that arise when students feel they have been discriminated against or have experienced some form of harassment. Should this occur to you it is wise to first check the Discrimination and Harassment Grievance Procedures . It is important to contact an Equity Officer on your campus to inform them of such behaviour and discuss confidentially your available options.
How do I contact Security or the Emergency Services?
For an emergency on campus contact Security from a security phone located in most buildings on every campus or phone 88888 from an internal phone. If you are calling from off campus contact Security Office.
For an emergency after hours Campus Security 24 hour phone number: 1800 500 911
You can contact Emergency Services (Police, Ambulance, Fire) by dialling 000 or 112 from a mobile. (free call)
For non emergency Police attendance phone 131 444.
A full list of Adelaide public hospitals and their locations can be found on page 4 of the Adelaide White Pages (print version).
Is it safe to go out alone in Adelaide?
Adelaide is a relatively safe place compared with some other capital cities but violence occurs. Taking notice of the information on this site will assist you to remain safe. In addition, if you are new to Adelaide, go out with others until you are familiar with transport, streets and recreational activities, especially if socialising late at night.
What if I continually feel unsafe?
If you continually feel unsafe drop in and see a Counsellor at Learning and Teaching Unit. They can work out some strategies with you.