Safe and Sound
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"Northumbria (police force) has less recorded crime than other forces in its peer group with levels continuing to fall year on year." |
For many students, coming to the University is their first real taste of living independently. Whilst it’s both an exciting and stressful time for students and their parents, the good news is universities have had many years of experience at dealing with new students which means there are lots of mechanisms in place to make the transition as easy as possible.
As soon as your son or daughter's place is confirmed at Northumbria, they'll be sent a Welcome Pack full of essential information about starting life at university. It's an essential guide to student life and includes information on:
- Enrolment
- Finance
- Welfare and Support
- Students' Union
- Sports Facilities
Whichever university your son or daughter chooses, there will be a welcome week. This is the perfect time to find like-minded friends. From sports team to voluntary work there are many clubs and societies within the University so new students will be spoilt for choice.
Academic departments often have settling in events at the start of the course and are well experienced at ways to ensure students integrate - from icebreaking events to teamwork. And for the first couple of weeks, most universities will have second year and final year students on hand to show new students the ropes.
Safety On Campus
We have a number of initiatives on campus to ensure that our students are as safe as possible at Northumbria, including:- A security control room manned 24 hours a day
- 24 hour CCTV campus coverage
- A community police officer on site who can offer advice to students regarding safety and security issues
- Personal attack alarms handed out to new students in Welcome Week
- Well-lit campus
- A Saturday night safety bus to ensure students get home from the Students’ Union safely
- Northumbria’s Students’ Union – 2009 winner of the Best Bar None award run by community safety partnership Safe Newcastle
In the City
Whilst Newcastle has a relatively low crime rate, as with every town and city in the country, it's important to take care. Whether at home or university, your son or daughter can stay safe by taking a few simple precautions which you can advise them of.
Lock up - Half of all burglaries happen because a door or window has been left open. Always lock up when leaving the house/Hall.
Hide it Keep a mobile close by - but don't leave valuables on display. If stolen, phones can be immobilised by calling the network provider or 08701 123 123.
Be insured - Make sure your son or daughter has taken out insurance to cover valuables. Students have lots of the items burglars are looking for which makes student accommodation a target.
Mark it up - Marking up property is a great defence against crime. Lists of the make, model and serial numbers of electronic items will help police track them down if they are stolen.
Take note - Keep a record of card and mobile details at home so they can be cancelled quickly. Don't carry all cards at the same time.
Be car safe - Park in recognised, well-lit car parks. Always lock cars up and keep valuables in the boot.
Plan ahead - If planning a big night out, arrange beforehand to go home with friends or book a trusted taxi firm. Whilst out, keep an eye on drinks.
Check it - If you live in a hall of residence be careful who you let into the building. Lock your door, even if you are only going down the corridor.
Stick together - Walk in groups at night, travel by taxi or stay with a friend. Safety is worth more than the cab fare home!
Watch out - Use cash machines wisely. Put card and cash away quickly and be aware of who's around. NEVER write down the PIN!
The University publishes a range of health and safety information available to new students during Welcome Week.
Health and Safety Policies