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How to Be Safe in College as a Student: 8 Safety Tips for Uni Students
June 13, 2025
Written by Ysuites
Safety tips for living alone

No matter how exciting your university life is, your personal safety should always come first.

Whether you’re living on campus or settling into a brand-new city, being in an unfamiliar environment can bring a mix of adventure and, yes, risks.

That’s why knowing how to stay safe is a must as it can gives you that extra peace of mind and lets you focus on the fun stuff.

From personal safety and cyber security to emergency readiness, you’ll never know when dangerous situations will arise, such as theft, scams, and any suspicious activity.

This article will give you practical safety tips to help you stay sharp, safe, and savvy as a uni student!

8 Tips on How to Be Safe in College as a Student Living Alone

1. Always Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

be alert to avoid dangerous situations

Keep your eyes peeled, no matter if you’re heading to class, just out for a late-night snack, or simply exploring the city.

As the golden rule, the best way to steer clear of any potential dangers is to be mindful of your surroundings.

At night times, stick to well-lit paths and avoid wandering into dark, quiet alleys. If you’ve got pepper spray or a personal safety alarm, keep it on your person as an extra security measure.

Remember, your phone isn’t a shield! So, try not to get too distracted by loud music or scrolling through your socials in unfamiliar areas.

If your university offers security services like escort programmes or emergency call stations, use them. They’re there for a reason—don’t hesitate to press that button if something doesn’t feel right.

2. Keep Your Belongings Secure at All Times

Regular check ins of items to avoid break ins

Your valuables can be easy targets for theft, especially in busy or shared areas.

One of the most important habits you should develop is to always lock up your dorm, apartment, or student accommodation every time you leave—even if you’re just ducking out for five minutes.

Get yourself a secure drawer or small safe where you can store items like laptops, passports, and important documents. It adds an extra layer of protection in case someone does try to break in.

And here’s a classic: never leave your phone, bag, or laptop unattended in cafés, libraries, or common areas. This applies even if there are security cameras in the vicinity!

After all, it only takes a moment for someone to swipe your gear.

3. Practice Smart Online Safety

Practise cybersecurity to avoid break ins in the digital world

Digital security is just as important as physical safety.

Identity theft and scams are unfortunately common, but you can avoid the worst of it with a few smart habits.

Use strong passwords (none of that “123456” nonsense), enable two-factor authentication—especially for your uni accounts—and steer clear of sketchy links or emails that ask for personal details.

If you receive messages asking for personal or financial details, make sure to verify their legitimacy before clicking anything.

Public Wi-Fi? Only use it for casual browsing, and not for making online bank transactions or logging into sensitive accounts—unless you’ve got a secure VPN to back you up. Hackers love unsecured networks!

4. Plan Your Travel & Use Reliable Transport

Plan your travel to avoid dangerous situations outside

Just because you’re living on your own doesn’t mean you have to be alone in your personal and home security strategies!

Before embarking on your adventure, be it within the city or travelling to a whole new destination, always plan your route and transport in advance. This is especially true if you’re relying on public transport or travelling at night.

Remember, being unprepared can lead you to be stuck—and potentially unsafe.

If you’re using a ride-sharing service, double-check the driver’s details (i.e. name, number plate, and car model) before getting inside the car. A pro tip? Send the driver’s info to a mate or loved one just in case.

And for those who prefer cycling or walking to their locations, stick to marked paths, follow road rules, and wear some reflective gear if it’s dark out. Better to be seen than sorry.

5. Stay Safe When Going Out or Socialising

Be on the sight of security cameras and near front door

Having your student apartment in central Sydney, Melbourne, or Adelaide can be really convenient, given the accessibility of places.

However, this also means that some risks are unavoidable.

If you’re planning on hanging out with your friends, you need to plan your night ahead of time. Set meeting times and spots, keep your phone charged, and update each other if plans change.

Try to stay alert at all times, and to ensure your safety, avoid real-time posting or even live video streaming your location while you’re out.

And please, always watch your drinknever leave it unattended. If something feels off, trust your instincts and leave. Your safety is more important than being polite.

6. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Have outdoor lights and spare key in your front door

You never know what trouble may arise in the future, and these numbers could just be what you need.

Update your contacts and save important emergency contacts, including local emergency services, your uni’s security staff, and even the front desk of your student accommodation.

Get familiar with the emergency exits and safety points in your building and on campus. Fire drills and learning safety instructions might seem like a chore, but they could save your life.

It also helps to know where the nearest hospital, clinic, and police station are.

If you’re living in student accommodations in Melbourne or another big city, you can take the weekend to explore your neighbourhood—you’ll thank yourself later.

7. Take Care of Your Mental & Emotional Well-Being

Have a daily routine to stay safe and protect yourself mentally and emotionally

Your well-being isn’t just about physical safety—your mental and emotional health matter just as much!

University life can be challenging, especially if you’re far from home, so it’s essential to prioritise self-care.

Utilise on-campus mental health resources, such as counselling services, wellness programmes, or support groups, to help you navigate stress, homesickness, or any personal issues.

Remember, there’s no shame in reaching out!

Set boundaries, surround yourself with people who lift you up, and carve out space for yourself when needed. It’s okay to say no. Recharge and regroup when you need to.

8. Live in a Safe Student Accommodation

Get a safe place to protect yourself from dangerous situations

Let’s face it: even your own home can feel unsafe if it doesn’t have proper protection.

That’s why choosing the right student place to live will greatly impact your safety, peace of mind, and even mental or emotional health.

Look for features like 24/7 security, a robust security system, CCTV surveillance, motion sensor lights, and secure entry systems. On-site staff is a huge plus, too!

Fortunately, Y Suites offers these top-notch protection features that guarantee your safety from any kind of break-in:

  • CCTV Surveillance: Continuous monitoring to ensure a safe living environment. 
  • Secure Keycard Access: Restricts entry to residents only and features a smart doorbell, giving extra security. 
  • On-Site Security Staff and Professional Security: Available around the clock to address any concerns who ensure quick two way communication.

Final Thoughts

Uni life’s a wild ride—so make sure you’re buckled in with the right safety smarts.

From staying alert on your late-night kebab run to locking down your passwords and picking the right place to live, it all adds up.

Always keep your eyes open, your stuff secure, your mind in check, and your living space safe—and you’ll be setting yourself up for a uni experience that’s not just fun, but fulfilling too!

Find Your Safe and Secure Home with Y Suites

Find a secure home with your family and friends

Uni life should be full of discovery, late-night snacks, spontaneous adventures, and new mates—not worry and stress.

Y Suites’ prime locations in Adelaide, Canberra, and Sydney offers accessibility and security so you can enjoy your uni life to the fullest!

What’s more? The all-inclusive rent also covers:

✅ Premium, fully furnished student rooms and shared apartments, inclusive of Wi-Fi and utilities

✅ Full access to various common areas for socialising, studying, exercising, playing, and resting

✅ The opportunity to connect with other like-minded students from different prestigious universities through our community events

✅ Excellent security measures that ensure your personal safety

✅ Hassle-free customer service managed by our attentive and well-trained staff

So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience how student life should be!

BOOK YOUR ROOM TODAY >>>



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