We've rounded up some tips for how to stay safe on campus and when out and about in town, including getting home safely.
Staying Safe on Campus and in Town
Always plan your journey home in advance, whether that is from a late lecture or an evening out. Try to arrange to travel home with a friend or in a group.
Below are some services and tips to help keep you safe on your journey home.
The MyWay App
The MyWay App is a fantastic app to make sure you feel safe walking to and from lectures, back from Student Union nights, and to sports training sessions throughout your time at Reading.
The app has some super handy features including:
- Automatic SMS text to an emergency contact to let them know you’re home safe.
- Sharing location with friends and loved ones who can track your journey with your approval.
- Motion sensors around campus, the student area and Reading Town Centre to let you know how many others are on roads to keep you informed.
- Directions with options of walking and public transport.
Find out more about MyWay and download the app.
The what3words app
With what3words, it sums up your location in 3 words to try and make it easier for services like security to find your location.
It’s especially useful when you can’t describe where you are or your digital maps aren’t working.
Find out more and download the what3words app.
Strut Safe
Strut Safe is a UK-wide phone line. If you’re walking alone, their volunteers will be a friendly voice to keep you company and help you feel safe until you are through the door.
Strut Safe is open:
- Thursdays: 19:00 – 01:00
- Fridays and Saturdays: 19:00 – 03:00
- Sundays 19:00 – 01:00
Call 0333 335 0026 or find out more about Strut Safe.
University Security Services
Our friendly and supportive University Security Services are on hand 24/7 to maintain a safe and secure environment for students across all University sites. The team are responsible for security patrols of our campuses, surveillance / emergency response for all University property, operating a 24-hour control room and extensive CCTV networks.
They also offer a chaperone service to provide reassurance and support. This service operates in three ways:
1. Vehicle escort – when possible, two security members will arrive in a vehicle to pick you up and transport you to your destination.
2. On-foot escort – a member of the security team will walk with you to ensure you reach your destination safely.
3. Hawk-eye service – security can monitor your journey via CCTV, keeping track of your location to ensure you feel safe as you return to your car or accommodation.
To use the service or for further advice, please contact Security on 0118 378 7799.
Find out more about the University Security Services.
Taxis
If you plan to get a taxi home, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
- Taxis can be hired at a taxi rank, flagged down, or pre-booked. Private Hire Vehicles cannot be flagged down on the street, these journeys must be pre-booked.
- Keep the number of a reliable taxi firm on you. You can call University of Reading Security for a recommended company.
- When the taxi arrives, check it is the one you called and avoid getting into any taxis which are just touting for business.
- Before getting into a vehicle, always check the licence plate at the rear of the car. Drivers should also be wearing their ID badge.
Report any concerns or compliments to licensing@reading.gov.uk
Reading Safe Space
- Reading Safe Space is located at St Mary’s Church House on Chain Street and is the home of First Stop and Reading’s Street Pastors.
- First Stop provides a vital service to those enjoying the town centre on Friday and Saturday nights, administering first aid supported by paramedics from the South Central Ambulance Service.
- Reading’s Street Pastors are a team of volunteers who patrol the town centre on Friday and Saturday nights to care for, listen to and help people who are out for the evening.
Find out more about Reading Safe Space.
Stay in a group
Stick with your friends on nights out – there is safety in numbers. Plan to go home with a friend or in a group.
Cash machines
- If you need cash, try to make sure you have enough with you before you go for a night out
- If you do need cash, try to use a machine in a very public place.
- Go with a friend if possible, and try to go in the daylight hours. If you need to go at night, make sure the area has plenty of lighting.
- Always be aware of who is close by and never count your cash in full public view, place it in your wallet or purse before leaving the machine.
- If you are in any doubt, do not use the machine, wait until you feel safe or find another machine.
Valuables
- Keep valuables, such as wallets, in an inside pocket and secured.
- If someone tries to grab your possessions do not resist. Try to get a good look at them and call the police as soon as possible, giving your location, the description and the direction the assailant went off in.
Ask for Angela and Ask for Clive
Ask for Angela and Ask for Clive schemes are available at Reading SU and other venues across the town.
- Ask for Angela is a discreet code word anyone can use to alert venue staff if you feel unsafe, vulnerable, or threatened on a night out or otherwise. Staff will provide you with swift and discrete support.
- Ask for Clive is specifically used to request assistance in situations involving hate crimes, such as homophobia and transphobia.
Both initiatives are designed to ensure anyone who feels unsafe on a night out or date can get the support they need. You can read more about this at Reading Students’ Union.
- Download and use the MyWay App and what3words
- Add security contacts to your phone:
Emergencies: 0118 378 6300
General enquiries: 0118 378 7799
Email: security@reading.ac.uk
- Use the chaperone service so security can make sure you are safe
- Take a look at the Campus Watch initiative (similar to neighbourhood watch)
- Consider taking the bus – Reading buses run excellent bus services all over Reading
- If you are feeling nervous when leaving a lecture, see if anyone else is walking in your direction and team up
- Use the main paths on campus which are well lit and covered by CCTV.
Callmy Alert app
Stay up to date on important safety and security issues around campus with the Callmy alert app. After installation there is a simple verification process to follow and you’ll need to add the group name UORALERT group.
Once a semester we will test the system and you will receive an alert, which will say that it is a test. Treat all other alerts as live and follow their instructions.
Download the Callmy app.
Report and support
The University is committed to ensuring that our campuses are inclusive, supportive and respectful places of work and study for all of our students and staff. Report and Support is an online tool for staff, students, and visitors to report issues of harassment, bullying, sexual misconduct, hate crimes, and other problematic behaviours.
Users can report with their name and details to receive support from the University, or you can report anonymously.
Find out more about Report and Support.
- Police (non-emergencies): call 101
- Report a crime through the Police
- University of Reading Security Services:
Emergencies: 0118 378 6300
General enquiries: 0118 378 7799
Email: security@reading.ac.uk
- Health and Safety Services: call 0118 378 8888