Staying Safe
Personal Safety
The towns surrounding our campuses are generally a safe place to be, however, you need to be aware of some situations that may put you at risk and what you can do to try to avoid them.
ACM want your studies here to be an enjoyable experience.
Insuring Your Belongings
One of the first things you should do before arriving to study at ACM is to insure your belongings.
Looking After Your Belongings
- Do not leave valuable belongings on show;
- Do not carry around your PIN numbers;
- Put your name and postcode on all personal belongings (ultra violet pen);
- Make sure when you leave your accommodation that you lock up securely, don't expect others to do it;
- If you live in a shared house - you can ask your landlord if they are happy for you to put a lock on your door;
- Bikes - you need to make sure that you lock your bike with secure padlocks, including all wheels.
Safety When Out & About
-When you first move into your accommodation it is a good idea to look for safe and suitable routes to college, shops and frequent place you may visit. Look for routes that are well lit and busy;
- Walk on pavements;
- If you are returning home late at night use public transport. If you do walk home, make sure it is with a group, do not leave each other at any point and ensure that you do not take short-cuts;
- Never carry large amounts of cash on you;
- Carry a personal alarm when walking alone;
- Avoid confrontation - walk away if being provoked or hassled;
- You do not know what your attacker may be carrying. Your safety is more important than property;
- Be aware of who is around you at the cash point;
- When using a mobile phone in public be brief and try to hide it (otherwise you could be making yourself vulnerable to attack);
If your phone is stolen, call your network to immobilise it;
- Have your keys ready well before you reach your home or car;
- Carry your bag over your shoulder and close to your body; if someone grabs it, let go;
- When going out alone always tell someone where you are going;
- If you think you are being followed, cross the road and try to get to a shop, restaurant or somewhere you can alert somebody;
When Using Buses, Trains & Taxis
- Try not to wait alone at bus stops. If travelling on a double-decker bus sit downstairs or where the driver can see you especially when travelling alone at night;
- If travelling on a train, do not sit alone in an empty carriage;
- To remain safe, do not listen to ipods, personal stereos etc on a loud volume whilst travelling as they will prevent you from hearing what is going on around you;
- Always remember when travelling late to check the last bus or train to avoid being stranded;
- Make sure any taxi you use has an official plate attached before you get in;
- Do not get in taxis that stop you in the street as they may not be official drivers. They may be cheaper but they are not safe;
- Agree the fare before your journey commences;
- When travelling alone in the taxi, always sit in the back;
- Do not give out any personal details to the driver;
- Have your money ready before you leave the taxi;
Nights Out
- When you are out drinking, ensure that you keep your drink with you at all times;
- Remember, when you are drinking you may let your defences down so be aware of your surroundings;
- If you are drinking, do not drive. Remember you can still be over the limit the next day;
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids between alcoholic drinks.
Internet
- Be careful and vigilant when using the internet;