Although Bristol is largely a very friendly city, it is inevitable that certain situations can happen that compromise your safety. For more specific information you should visit Student Services or ask to see the relevant Students' Union Officer.
The Students' Union offers these helpful basic tips for when you are out and about which are particularly relevant at night.
- When walking on the street, stay alert to what is happening around you. Look confident and try to walk home at night with a friend - if you can not, try to make sure someone knows where you are and when you will be back.
- If you can, try to carry some change and enough money for a taxi. Pre-order a taxi, rather than flagging one down and if you are female and alone give your surname only when you book it. Use reputable firms. When your taxi arrives, check the name on the side of the car is the name of the firm you booked with and that the driver asks for you by name.
- Check that the taxi has a Bristol City Council registration plate (near to the number plate). Never, ever, get into a car that claims to be a taxi but does not have a taxi registration plate. Do not get into a taxi if you feel uneasy about it.
- Walk on the side of the street that faces the traffic. Try to walk in the middle of the pavement and avoid short cuts that take you to dark or quieter places - like parks and alleyways. If you think you are being followed, cross the road and change your pace. If the person stays with you, look for the nearest busy place or the nearest well-lit house and ask for help.
- Have your keys ready when you are coming up to your home.
- If you drive: avoid isolated car parks; make sure that you have enough petrol to get home; keep your doors and windows locked when in your car alone at night; and have your keys ready when walking up to your car.
- If you are a cyclist, avoid dark and badly lit routes at night and remember to lock your bike to a solid object in a secure and well lit area when you leave it.
- All students living in a University Managed Property are entitled to a free personal attack alarm. When collecting keys, students are required to ask for their alarms.