Every year when the clocks change, the University's Estates Team invite members of the Health and Safety group and the Students' Union to an after-dark walking tour around campus to review the provision of external lights. The group notes every non-working lamp and identifies areas that would benefit from additional lighting to be sent to our engineers so they can ensure campus is safely lit at night. This is just one of the ways the University works to keep you safe.
Our campus is generally a safe place and we need your help to keep it that way. It is also good to be aware of where to find help if you think that you or someone else is at risk.
Working with the Security team
The Security team patrol the campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are here to help keep you safe. If you have a concern, you can reach them at any time at the campus Security Centre based in Bramber House or 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 should always call 999 for emergency services (police, fire rescue or coast guard) if you, or someone else is in immediate danger. On campus, the Security team can ensure you get help quickly. The emergency contact for our Security team is 3333 via an internal phone or 01273 873333 from a mobile. Calling them helps the Security team guide any emergency vehicle to your location quickly.
The Security team 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 the Security team’s emergency number on your mobile. You can also reach them from one of the emergency phones around campus, which are identified by their blue flashing lights.
Staying safe at night
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.
For example, did you know that 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.
Find more tips for staying safe on campus at night on the Student Hub.
Staying safe in halls
There are some simple ways you can help everyone stay safe in halls such as always locking your door when you leave your room and never holding the door open for someone unless you know they live there.
If you see anything suspicious in halls, 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.
You can find out more about staying safe in halls and in private sector accomodation on the Student Hub.
Report and support
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 and receive support using our Report and Support tool.
Find out more about disclosing an incident to the University.
This article covers some key information, but it’s worth taking the time to find out more about staying safe both on campus and whilst travelling further afield on the Student Hub. Thank you for helping keep your University community safe.