Get information on how to stay safe on and off campus, how to contact security, and who to contact if you are a victim of antisocial behaviour while living in University-managed accommodation.
Staying safe and security
The University is generally a safe place and security patrol the campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, it is good to be aware of where to find help if you think that you or someone else is at risk.
Security team
The campus Security Centre is based in Bramber House and can be reached through the 24-hour Residential Reception there.
They can also be contacted by calling 8234 on an internal phone or +44 (0)1273 678234 from a mobile. Their email address is sef.security@mitie.com.
In an emergency, you can get help. You can call security 24-hours a day from one of the many emergency phones on campus (most of these phones have blue flashing lights).
24-hour crime, accident and emergency response
In an emergency, you should call 999 whether you are on or off campus. On campus, you must also call security on 3333 on an internal phone or +44 (0)1273 873333 on your mobile, as they will need to direct emergency services to your location. They are also trained in first aid and will be able to get to you more quickly than an ambulance. It’s a good idea to keep security’s number on your mobile.
You can also call security 24-hours a day from one of the many emergency phones on campus (most of these phones have blue flashing lights).
Reporting antisocial behaviour
If you need to report antisocial behaviour or nuisance noise, speak to the person first if you can and it is safe to do so.
If this does not resolve the issue, contact your Residential Life Connector or Residence Building Manager.
Get in touch through My Sussex if you need further support.
If the noise is late at night and you are living on campus, call the Night Porter 24-hour Residential Reception in Bramber House on +44 (0)1273 678323.
- Tips for keeping safe at night
We try to make sure that campus is as safe as possible, both through providing security and by expecting respectful, safe behaviour from our University community. It is never someone’s fault if they are the victim of a crime, however there are some practical things you can do to protect yourself.
To help keep yourself safe at night:
- try to plan ahead and ensure that someone knows where you are going, who you are meeting and when you expect to return. Always plan how you are going to get home again. After dark, University security staff provide a service to escort you across campus, or to and from Falmer Station. To book this service, call the Security office on +44 (0)1273 877777. Please give as much notice as possible
- you can catch any of the local Brighton buses to get you through campus for free (23, 25 and N25)
- take care of each other and make sure everyone stays safe if you are socialising with a group of people
- stick to busy areas if you can and avoid poorly-lit areas or quiet alleyways
- stay alert and avoid talking on your mobile phone or listening to music on your head-phones, as this will distract you from your surroundings and prevent you from hearing any potential signs of danger
- think about getting a personal safety alarm. You can buy one or pick one up for free from the Student Centre. Keep it in an easily accessible place and carry it in your hand if you feel at risk – not at the bottom of a bag where you can’t reach it
- have your house keys ready before you get to your front door and carry them on your person rather than in your bag just in case
- shout for help or call Security immediately if you see someone else in trouble. Don’t ignore someone in trouble, but getting directly involved may aggravate the situation
- head towards the 24-hour Residential Reception in Bramber House or call Security if you are being followed. Shout and run if you feel that you are in danger.
- Accommodation safety
Safety in halls
In halls, when you leave your room, always lock the door and shut the window, even if you are only popping next door for a minute.
Don’t invite someone you don’t know or have recently met back to your room when it is just the two of you. Get to know them better before spending time alone with them.
Never let anyone into your block by holding a door open unless you know them or have checked their ID.
If you see anything suspicious, report it to Security. You could also report to your reception porter or your building manager. It may be nothing to worry about but it is best to pass this information on.
If you live in private housing, find useful information on staying safe in private-sector accommodation.
You can also find out about:
- keeping possessions safe and getting contents insurance
- resolving issues with flatmates
- reporting antisocial behaviour.
If you live in University–managed accommodation, you can also raise concerns with your Residential Life Connector.
Repairs, cleaning and pests
See how to report a problem with your accommodation if something is broken, needs cleaning or there are animals in the building.
- Travelling around
Buses
If you are planning to get the bus home at night, always check the times of the last bus to your stop. You can use the Brighton and Hove buses journey planner or download the Brighton and Hove buses app. You can find the timetables for The Big Lemon on their website.
If a bus is empty or it is after dark, stay on the lower deck and sit near the driver or conductor.
If you feel unsafe while walking through the campus at any point, you can catch any of the local Brighton buses to get you through campus for free (23, 25 and N25).
Taxis
Always carry the phone number of a trusted, licensed taxi or minicab company with you. Never take an unlicensed taxi or mini–cab, as these are unchecked, uninsured and can potentially be very dangerous.
These taxi companies are licenced:
Brighton and Hove Streamline Taxis: 01273 202020
Brighton and Hove Radio Cabs: 01273 204060
All licenced taxis should display their licence number inside the cab. You can take a photo of this and send it to a trusted friend at the start of your journey, so they know who is driving you home.
Trains
If you are planning to get home at night using the train, always check the times of the last train to your station. You can use the National Rail Enquiries journey planner.
At night, try to sit with other people and avoid empty carriages; don’t be afraid to move to another seat or carriage.
Also check:
- Staying safe in town
Safe space
YMCA Safe Space in St Paul’s church on West Street is open on Friday and Saturday nights to support anyone who has become intoxicated, distressed or injured during their night out.
Most people who access Safe Space have become vulnerable through alcohol or drug use and are in need of immediate assistance. They might have lost their friends, be unable to get home, or perhaps they need first aid, some water or a phone charger.
Sea safety
Alcohol and drugs seriously affect your ability to get yourself out of trouble. They numb the senses, particularly sight, sound and touch, making swimming very difficult. So, even if you are tempted to be reckless, act responsibly near water especially after drinking alcohol.
Remember:
- look out for your friends and make sure they get home safely
- if you’ve had a drink, stay away from the water
- find an alternative route home, don’t walk home near the water
- stay away from the water in winter, cold water shock kills.
Tips for being safe at night
Be mindful of these safety precautions before, while you’re out and when you’re on your way back home from a night out.
Before you go
Consider doing the following before leaving the house:
- plan ahead and ensure that someone knows where you are going, who you are meeting and when you expect to return. Always plan how you are going to get home again
- take cash before your night out or go with a friend if you have to visit a cash machine at night
- you may want to download and use a personal safety app, like the one from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.
While you’re out
While you’re out at night:
- take care of each other and make sure everyone stays safe, if you’re socialising at night
- keep an eye on your drinks so that neither drugs nor extra alcohol are added. Never accept a drink you haven’t seen it being poured and don’t leave your drink unattended. If you suddenly feel very drunk or out of control, ask a friend you trust to get you home and do the same for friends in the same situation
- know your limits because alcohol will dull your instincts and can lead to you making unsafe decisions
- always keep track of where your belongings are and don’t be tempted to leave them at a table while you hit the dance floor
- keep your bag closed and fastened and swing it round to your front so that you can see it and keep your hands on it. Avoid wearing backpacks, particularly in crowded areas.
Getting home
On your way home:
- stick to busy areas if you can; avoid poorly–lit areas, deserted parks or quiet alleyways
- Stay alert and avoid talking on your mobile phone or listening to music on your headphones, as this will distract you from your surroundings and prevent you from hearing any potential signs of danger
- have your house keys ready before you get to your front door and carry them on your person rather than in your bag, just in case
- head towards a public place if you feel you are being followed and text a friend to meet you or call the police. Shout and run if you feel that you are in danger
- shout for help or call the police immediately, if you see someone else in trouble. Don’t ignore someone in trouble, but getting directly involved may aggravate the situation
- Crime
Crime on our campus is rare and, Brighton and Hove is generally a safe city. However, if you do experience a crime, there are support systems available.
Sexual violence or assault, hate crime, domestic violence, abuse and stalking
The University of Sussex is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for every member of its community.
If you or someone else has experienced behaviours such as bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse or discrimination, you can let us know using this Report and Support tool.
You can use the Report and Support tool to:
- find information about and access University and specialist support services
- make a report to the University so that an advisor can talk you through options for support or further action
- make an anonymous report to make the University aware of your experience, (please note that we will be unable to respond to or take specific action on an anonymous report).
Other crime
You can use the police non-emergency number, 101, to report non-emergency crime. You can also report a theft and other crimes to the police.
In an emergency, if you are on campus you should call Security on 3333 from an internal phone, or call from a mobile and they will call the police for you. If you are off-campus you should call 999.
If you’ve experienced a crime, you might want to talk about the experience with a Student Advisor.
Did it involve a member of the university community?
If you have experienced a crime and a member of the University community, for example a student or member of staff, was involved, then you can tell us using the Report + Support tool.
You can choose whether to initiate disciplinary action within the University.
If you have moved to the UK from another country, get advice on aspects of British life that might be new to you.