Safety advice and useful contacts

• Make sure your phone is password protected and all banking or shopping apps have security features and are restricted with a password – this will make it harder for people to take advantage of your personal details if you lose your phone.
• Keep bank cards and loose cash locked away safely or on your person at all times.
• Always lock your car and keep valuables out of view. If possible, push wing mirrors in to avoid damage from anti-social behaviour.
• Keep all valuables in your accommodation hidden or locked away when you aren’t home.
• Always lock your bedroom door when you aren’t home.
• Protect against laptop theft - remember to back up your work regularly.
• Protect against identity fraud - don’t leave personal documents (such as bank statements, driving licence and passport) in communal areas.
• If your phone is stolen, contact the police and remember to inform your network provider - keep a record of your IMEI number, this can obtain by dialling *#06#
• Use cash machines during the day and be aware of your surroundings. Never write down your PIN.
• Be vigilant on nights out if you bring your bank card – contactless allows at least five transactions of £30 per day – you don’t want to wake up in the morning with no money in your bank account.
• Make your home looks occupied in the evenings and at the weekends - leave lights on or use timer switches.
• Activate your burglar alarm if you have one.
• Lock up before you leave, take your valuable items home at weekends and holidays.
• Avoid letting strangers into your home because this is when unexpected theft is most likely to take place.
• Lock your front door even when your house is occupied and never leave any windows open when no one is home – if someone sees an opportunity to break in, they will make it happen.
• If you live in a flat, do not let strangers into your block – this leaves all tenants in your flat vulnerable.
• Travel by a GPS tracked taxi or walk in groups at night. Plan your journey home. Always walk through brightly lit streets. Remember your safety is worth more than the cab fare home!
• Good relationships with neighbours can help ensure suspicious activity is reported.

In an emergency call 999. In a non-emergency contact local police on 101.

You will also find crime prevention advice and other useful information on www.psni.police.uk (link opens in new window)

Health

The nearest hospital to the university area with an accident and emergency unit is the Royal Victoria Hospital. The number for emergencies is 999. Students should register locally with a GP.

University students are urged to get the meningitis vaccine before starting university. Mixing closely and living with new people who carry the meningitis-causing bacteria can lead to the meningitis disease spreading.

For more information on meningitis or other health conditions, visit the nidirect website (link opens in new window).

Alcohol

• Excess alcohol can increase someone’s vulnerability. Drink responsibly so you are not left in a vulnerable position. 
• Excessive alcohol may cloud your judgement and normal body functions. If your friends are in this vulnerable state, never leave them alone to care for themselves.
• Don’t leave drinks unattended. Try to cover your drinks when you’re holding them in a crowd or talking to friends.

Drugs

It’s important that you know all the facts about what drugs contain, what the risks are and where to get help if you need it. Try www.talktofrank.com (link opens in new window) for information about types of drugs, as well as links to local and national services.

Visit your campus website for more information on student support:

• Ulster University (link opens in new window)
• Queen's University (link opens in new window)
• Stranmillis University College (link opens in new window)
• St Mary’s University College (link opens in new window)
• Belfast Metropolitan College (link opens in new window)

Sexual assault

If you are in immediate danger phone the PSNI on 999.

Help and advice is also available from the:

• Ulster University website (link opens in new window)
• Queen's University website (link opens in new window)
• No Grey Zone website (link opens in new window)

Sexual health

• Belfast Trust HSC (link opens in new window) offers information on sexual health clinics in Northern Ireland, how to book an appointment and what they offer.
• Ulster University (link opens in new window) offers an onsite sexual health clinic at the Jordanstown campus.
• Queen’s University (link opens in new window) has a health centre with sexual health services.

Fitness

Get fit, active and meet new friends through exercise at our parks and in our leisure centres. We've got lots of activities to help you relax and take a break from your studies. 

• find our leisure centres
• find our parks, playing fields and open spaces

Useful contacts