Top tips for keeping safe whilst living in Halls

Find out all you need to know about keeping safe on the Student Safety site. This website is a collaborative effort between the University of Southampton and Hampshire Police. Here you can find official, reliable information on how to keep safe from various issues that could arise during your time at University, as well as where you can find support if you need it. 

Moving to a new city is always fun and exciting, but it is always advisable to take sensible precautions when out and about, particularly if you are heading out in the evenings and coming back to halls late!

Travel Plans

Before going out for the evening, consider how you might be getting home. For events on campus, the Safety Bus is a great (and free!) option. 

Catching an Uber? It is worth saving your new home address in your app ahead of time, to save trying to remember it when out and about. Radio Taxis also has an app where you can pay by card to ensure getting back to halls is as simple as possible.

If walking home at night, stick to well lit areas, and avoid walking through the town centre parks or Southampton Common when it's dark. Walk with friends where possible, never walk alone. 

Watch your drink

Doing something risky, getting lost, losing possessions...these are all more likely to happen when you are drunk. Keep an eye on how much you are drinking, make sure you don't drink on an empty stomach, and if you feel like you've had a bit too much, head home and tell someone where you are going, and see if they will head back to halls with you.  

Avoid spiking by never leaving your drink unattended and don't accept drinks from strangers. If you are out and suspect that you have been spiked, speak to a friend or member of staff and ask for help getting home safely.  

Talk to us

When you get home, all halls receptions are staffed 24/7 so there will be someone on site to help you if needed. If you are feeling anxious or scared about anything that has happened on or off campus, there are people available to help. The Student Hub is available for wellbeing support 24/7 via online chat, via email at studenthub@soton.ac.uk, or via telephoning 023 8059 9599

We cannot recommend enough taking a look at the Student safety site, for more tips on staying safe on nights out, and many more really important topics.